Assistant/ Associate Project Scientist- Condensate Biophysics and Cell Biology- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
The University of California, Berkeley
About this position
Position Overview
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: Table 37B. A reasonable full-time estimate for this position is $83,700 –$101,200. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: Fall 2026 Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.
Application Deadline
Open date: September 1, 2026 Next review date:Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
The Molecular & Cell Biology Department at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant/Associate Project Scientist in the lab of Dr. Gary Karpen, in the area of condensate biophysics and cell biology. The Karpen lab applies multidisciplinary approaches to study how chromatin self-organizes in the nucleus and how this self-organization affects development, health, and disease. We primarily utilize the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a model for chromosome function in animals, allowing us to study chromatin phenomena across an entire organism at all stages of development. We use in vivo and in vitro systems, and a wide spectrum of experimental approaches, including live and fixed imaging, biochemistry, molecular biology, computational biology, genetics, genomics, and integration with physics theory. The candidate hired into this position will focus on understanding the structural and functional interplay between two nuclear condensates, specifically nucleoli and PeriCentromeric Heterochromatin (PCH). This entails 1) in vivo analyses of condensate formation and dynamics in Drosophila embryos and cultured cells, 2) investigating the impact of mutations and other perturbations on condensate morphologies, interactions, and functions, 3) analyzing the impact of heterochromatin’s physical associations with nucleoli on ribosome production and export, 4) integrating physics theory and testing predictions experimentally, and 5) completing submission of manuscripts describing the key findings. Responsibilities: -Experiments management: Conduct imaging, genetic, and biochemical assays. -Data management and analysis: Organize, back up, and document research datasets. Quantify imaging, genomic, and biophysical data. -Protocols and safety management: Optimize and standardize experimental SOPs. Ensure EH&S and lab safety compliance. -Reagent management: Track fly stocks, cell lines, and reagents. -Equipment management: Maintain and schedule microscopy equipment. -Presenting research and attending lab meetings -Contributing to grant proposals -Mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications(required at time of application)PhD (or equivalent international degree). Additional qualifications(required at time of start)At least two years of post-PhD research experience Preferred qualifications• PhD or equivalent international degree in Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field. • Publication record in peer-reviewed journals of research relevant to the job duties. • Experience publishing lead-author primary research in peer-reviewed journals. • Experience working with Drosophila genetics, development, and genomics. • Experience working in the fields of heterochromatin structure and function, nucleolar structure and function, and chromosome biology. • Expertise and experience performing biochemical purification of chromosomal proteins. • Experience performing live and fixed imaging of subcellular structures and dynamics in Drosophila embryos and cultured cells, using confocal and wide-field microscopy. • Experience with computational analyses of fixed and live imaging data. • Track record of excellence in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, participate in efficient and open collaboration, and enjoy engaging with a diverse group of researchers. • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with theoretical physicists to integrate experimental results and theory. • Self-motivated, interactive, and meticulous approach to tasks and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. • Innovative and able to synergize various ideas and approaches, while exercising sound judgment to evaluate and take acceptable risks. • Demonstrated ability to synthesize and present research findings (written and oral).
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Reference requirements 3 required (contact information only) Apply link:https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05511 Help contact:gkarpen@berkeley.edu