Technical Assistant (Joint Genome Institute)

Berkeley Lab • Berkeley, CA

3d • $22 - $32 • Onsite

About The Position

Berkeley Lab’s ( LBNL ) Joint Genome Institute ( JGI ) has an opening for a Technical Assistant to join their Lab Operations Team! In this exciting role, you will support staff by performing routine laboratory maintenance tasks including washing, sterilizing, packaging, and distributing labware and supplies, as well as operating and quality-testing autoclaves and other equipment. Additional responsibilities include maintaining safety, cleanliness, inventory, records, and compliance with environmental health and safety regulations. A smaller portion of the role involves general lab assistance such as waste collection, restocking supplies, supporting shipping and receiving, monitoring safety stations, and helping with organization and cleaning as needed. The JGI ’s mission is to provide the global research community with access to the most advanced integrative genome science capabilities in support of the DOEs research mission to solve the world’s evolving energy and environmental challenges. The JGI supports projects in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and natural products in plants, fungi, algae, and microorganisms. This position is headquartered on the Lab’s main site at the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) ( Virtual Tour ). This position has an anticipated start date of February 2, 2026. 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 and retirement benefits , including pension or 401K-style plans A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams! In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year. Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers) Pet insurance

Requirements

• A minimum of 1 year of technical college courses or equivalent laboratory experience.
• Thorough understanding of routine laboratory operations, including maintenance of glassware, solutions, and supplies.
• General knowledge of routine laboratory protocols, including basic scientific skills to carry out standard laboratory procedures.
• Familiarity with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donning/doffing and incident reporting pathways (supporting team safety culture).
• Strong organizational skills, including an ability to work accurately with a high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide excellent customer service in a professional service-oriented manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Must be able to perform the following physical requirements: Lift and move up to 45 pounds Kneel, walk, and stand for extended periods of time

Nice To Haves

• Experience using glassware washers and autoclaves.
• Good working knowledge of chemical inventory procedures and chemical safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory tasks, including washing, drying, and sterilizing labware.
• Coordinate dishwashing, autoclaving, media preparation, and pipette tip filling/sterilization.
• Operate industrial autoclaves, washers, dryers, and water distiller systems.
• Package and sterilize pipette tips.
• Deliver clean and sterile glassware and plasticware to designated stocking locations.
• Notify the supervisor when equipment requires maintenance or service calls.
• Perform routine administrative tasks such as filing and photocopying.
• Conduct weekly autoclave quality testing using two approved methods.
• Monitor, collect, and replace sharps and broken glass collection containers.
• Assist the Storeroom Manager with maintaining storeroom inventory and shelf stock.
• Maintain laboratory sink supplies.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and organized work area at all times.
• Comply with environmental health and safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of all work performed.
• Prepare stock solutions and buffers according to standard protocols.
• Waste collection, supply distribution, freezer defrosting, and scraping of -80 degree freezers.
• Provide backup support for Shipping and Receiving Material Handlers.
• Assist laboratory managers with general organization and cleaning of laboratory areas.
• Monitor water stations and refill as required.
• Monitor all safety glass, glove, and shoe cover stations and restock supplies as needed.

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits , including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree