Research Associate, Microfluidics & Cell Culture

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Research Associate, Microfluidics & Cell Culture within the Molecular Foundry division. This position will support the development of a vascularized lung-on-a-chip platform. The position combines microfluidic device fabrication, mammalian cell culture, fluorescence imaging, and biological assays in a collaborative scientific research environment. Working under supervisory guidance, the selected candidate will contribute to experimental reliability and reproducibility while gaining experience with specialized technologies that connect bioengineering, microfabrication, and cell biology.

You will:

• Microfluidic Device Fabrication: Fabricate, assemble, and refine microfluidic devices using techniques such as PDMS soft lithography, surface treatment, and device bonding. Prepare and maintain the materials and equipment needed for fabrication, monitor experimental conditions, and communicate technical issues or unexpected results to the supervising researcher.
• Mammalian Cell Culture: Culture and maintain mammalian cell lines and primary cells, including seeding and maintaining cells within microfluidic devices using perfusion and flow-based culture techniques. Prepare and sterilize culture materials and reagents, monitor cell health and experimental conditions, and identify deviations from established protocols.
• Fluorescence Imaging and Analysis: Perform fluorescence and live-cell imaging, including sample preparation, image acquisition, and analysis. Organize, label, and analyze imaging data to support accurate interpretation, consistency, and traceability of experimental results.
• Biological Assays: Conduct routine biological assays, including cell viability and cytotoxicity testing, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and protein analysis. Prepare necessary reagents and materials, follow established protocols, and assist with data collection, organization, and analysis to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
• Laboratory Operations and Collaboration: Participate in research group meetings, maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and experimental records, and assist with maintaining laboratory equipment, supplies, and safe laboratory practices. Document experimental observations, communicate unexpected results or technical concerns to supervising researchers, and support consistent and reproducible laboratory procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent knowledge/training, in Biology, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, or a related field and a minimum of 1 year of related laboratory experience.
• Basic knowledge of mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique, passaging, cryopreservation, and transfection.
• Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy, including sample preparation, image acquisition, and basic image analysis.
• Familiarity performing standard biological assays and analyzing experimental data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
• Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols, maintain aseptic conditions, and consistently document laboratory procedures and results.
• Demonstrated ability to perform laboratory experiments carefully and reproducibly, recognize unexpected results, and seek supervisory guidance when appropriate.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Hands-on experience with microfluidic device fabrication, assembly, or operation, including PDMS soft lithography, surface treatments, and device bonding.
• Experience with scientific data analysis, including generating graphs, organizing datasets, and performing basic statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry for cell analysis and separation, with hands-on experience in sample preparation, instrument operation, or data analysis preferred.
• Familiarity with CAD software for microfluidic device design or layout.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation, instrument operation, or data analysis.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 4, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a part-time, 20 hours per week, term appointment through September 30, 2028, non-exempt (hourly paid), eligible for overtime pay, 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: The expected hourly range for this position is $28.78 - $36.69, which fits into the full hourly range of $28.78 - $44.59 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• 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: Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
• 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.

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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.