Research Associate, Moi Lab

Staff Research Associate, Moi Lab (9613C) 84805

Position in the Department of Integrative Biology – research in plant evolutionary ecology, genetics and synthetic biology.

The Department of Integrative Biology studies the evolution of life from molecular, functional, and ecological perspectives. Researchers work on organisms from across the tree of life in the laboratory, field, and museums.

Work collaboratively with Dr. Moises Exposito Alonso to support research projects. Duties include running plant facilities and wet laboratory tasks: ordering supplies, maintaining plant care in greenhouse and field, conducting gene cloning, phenotyping, and plant transformation; managing lab safety programs; using software to analyze complex data with computational biologists.

• Perform skilled technical procedures such as DNA extractions using bead‑based protocols, gene construct design and cloning using green gate or golden gate technology, Illumina next generation sequencing library preparation, Pac Bio long‑read extraction and DNA preparation protocol.
• Operate complex scientific instrumentation. Run programs of DNA spectrometers to measure DNA concentration, run liquid handling programs and protocols for DNA extraction, cleanup, and library preparation.
• Analyze data, formulate conclusions, and create appropriate statistical presentations, including graphs and charts, and prepare and present written or oral progress reports regarding studies.
• Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data.
• May use specialized software applications to assemble, manipulate, format and/or perform statistical analyses of data.
• Assist with laboratory equipment maintenance.
• May participate in performing inventories of materials and ordering supplies.
• Conduct literature reviews to assist in determining the most suitable methods to be used in research; collaborate with other lab members on experimental design, creation of appropriate methods and protocols, and development of new laboratory techniques.
• Actively contribute to laboratory meetings and planning sessions.
• Maintain plants and/or bacterial and tissue cultures for experimental purposes.
• May demonstrate and explain various laboratory techniques to laboratory personnel, students, and others.

• Knowledge of laboratory protocols and techniques.
• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a variety of populations.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, work independently, use good judgment, and monitor completion of assigned duties.
• Ability to operate complex scientific equipment.
• Fully understands role in the work unit and in related units; understands how the job supports achievement of the organization's goals.
• Bachelor of Science in an appropriate field and/or equivalent experience/training.

This is a full‑time career position eligible for full UC Benefits. The budgeted hourly range is $28.69 (Step 1) – $34.22 (Step 9). Compensation is determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

First Review Date:
March 19 2026. Position is open until filled.

Submit a resume and cover letter.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Position is governed by terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE).

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct;

have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.