Lab Assistant (9602C) - Engineering Research Centers

University of California - Berkeley, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Berkeley, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking a dedicated Lab Assistant to support the Alvarez-Cohen/Nelson/Sedlak/Pickering Research Groups, which are engaged in experimental water quality research. This full-time position is crucial for ensuring that researchers can focus on their projects by providing essential administrative and laboratory management support. The Lab Assistant will oversee the management of laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring that all necessary resources are available for the research teams. This role includes responsibilities such as purchasing, receiving, storing, and distributing laboratory supplies, as well as managing the maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal functionality. The Lab Assistant will also serve as the laboratory safety officer, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and maintaining standard operating procedures for hazardous materials. Additionally, the position involves performing scientific research in environmental engineering, developing new laboratory techniques, and supporting graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in their projects. The Lab Assistant will facilitate communication among team members and manage the logistics of the laboratory environment, including scheduling clean-ups and maintaining an organized workspace. This role is integral to the success of the research groups and contributes to the overall mission of UC Berkeley in advancing knowledge and innovation in water quality research.

Responsibilities

• Oversee purchasing, receiving, storing, and distribution of laboratory supplies.
• Manage laboratory equipment maintenance and ensure all equipment is in good working condition.
• Serve as laboratory safety officer and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Perform scientific research in the area of environmental engineering and develop new laboratory techniques.
• Provide management support for research groups, including onboarding and offboarding of new researchers.
• Schedule regular cleanups of the laboratory and delegate responsibilities to the research group.

Requirements

• Two years of water quality laboratory experience, including analytical techniques and general laboratory management.
• Familiarity with campus procedures and basic knowledge of laboratory safety protocols.
• Experience with ordering supplies and processing purchase orders.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Undergraduate degree in environmental engineering, environmental science, biology, chemistry, or related areas.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off for professional development activities.