Job Details

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB) is looking for a Research Assistant to join the Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology (BSISB) Imaging Program!

In this exciting role, you will perform experimental procedures and provide technical support for Atmospheric Infrared Laser Ablation Mass Spectrometry (AIRLAB MS) analyses. You will prepare biological cell and tissue samples, support mass spectrometry studies of metabolites, and assist with basic tasks related to AIRLAB MS data acquisition and processing.

This position has an anticipated start date of August 17, 2026.

***Note: This position is only open to current Berkeley Lab employees. If you are a current Berkeley Lab employee experiencing technical difficulties with submitting your application, please contact talent-acquisition@lbl.gov.***

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health benefits.
• Generous paid time off, sick time off, and holidays.
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!

What You Will Do:

• Assist with the technical development, design, and routine maintenance of mass spectrometry instrumentation, including calibration and performance verification.
• Support proprietary analytical methods used by the BSISB program.
• Configure, calibrate, operate, and perform routine maintenance on commercial mass spectrometer and liquid chromatography (LC) systems.
• Clean and optimize instrument performance to ensure reliable high-throughput analyses.
• Execute extraction protocols for natural products, organic compounds, and plant-derived secondary metabolites from diverse biological matrices.
• Process raw liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) datasets to identify and characterize unknown compounds in biological samples.
• Present data to direct supervisors and at weekly group meetings, and assist with proofreading research manuscripts.

What is Required:

• Familiarity with laser-ablation, ionization techniques, fluidic systems, and high-resolution mass spectrometry principles.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation using strong technical aptitude and mechanical or optical interfaces.
• General knowledge of basic laboratory practices, including safety protocol.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to maintain records and manage data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present research findings and contribute to manuscript preparation.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field utilizing analytical chemistry (e.g., Forensics, Archaeology, or Agricultural Science).
• Experience operating and maintaining Orbitrap mass spectrometers and liquid chromatography systems.
• Proficiency with Thermo Fisher Scientific mass spectrometry data analysis software.
• Software skills including Python, Adobe Photoshop, WordPress, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Information:

• Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by August 12, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, non-exempt from overtime pay (hourly paid), 1 year (benefits eligible), Term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary Range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes and has a budgeted salary range of $23.97 - $25.18 hourly for job code 588.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group (if applicable, and union contract agreement).
• Background Check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work Modality: This position will be performed onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, located at 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. This position will typically operate Monday to Friday during standard business hours from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.