Alt Meat XLab Research Engineer, Part-time (4757C) - Alt Meat XLab

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The Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (SCET) Alt Meat XLab at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) is seeking applications for a research and development engineer to conduct extraction and purification of secondary metabolites production in plants, e.g., saponins. The work is part of a project that aims at reshoring the production of key vaccine adjuvants.

This is a part-time (50% FTE) career position.

The First Review Date for this job is: August 8, 2025 - Open Until Filled

30%

Under general supervision, designs and prepares engineering plans and specifications of moderate complexity for novel laboratory equipment and instruments.

Considers designing, constructing, and testing experimental systems. This involves designing and testing novel purification protocols at bench scale (10-20 g active ingredient per run). Once this is successfully demonstrated, the position will design and select equipment to construct a pilot plant with capacity to produce 3 kg of active ingredient per year.

Manages lab equipment/instrumentation such as instrument onboarding, SOP generation, preventative maintenance management, and general instrumentation trainings for program researchers. Responsible for researching and summarizing best practices in field. Collaborate in original separation/purification of biomolecules science-based research.

30%

Under general supervision, participates in the solution of physical and mathematical analysis of experimental data or in the mathematical solution of physical and engineering problems.

Supports the project team to develop innovative separation and purification protocols at a bench scale and pilot plant scale. Maintains instruments through standard operating procedures and subsequent instrumental data analysis and monitoring.

20%

Gathers and analyzes data; prepares formal engineering reports, drawings and status reports.

Conduct extraction and purification of biomolecules research working directly with internal and external constituents. Analyze research data and report out research findings. Outlines status reports and recommendations to guide in-lab facility capabilities and directions for the research initiatives. Pursues development opportunities to advance capabilities and research for the BIOMADE-NIST project.

10%

Work subject to review by a more senior level Engineer. With direct guidance, collaborates with internal and external partners to coordinate the development, implementation, and monitoring of research processes.

10%

Assists with implementation of business processes. Supports a variety of lab facilities and research projects. Follows through with all levels of staff and individuals inside and outside the organization. Communicates with high level contacts of a sensitive nature, internally and externally, requiring discretion and diplomacy. Help to oversee annual student research appointments.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Working knowledge of engineering principles and methods in order to independently perform professional engineering design work of limited scope and complexity.
• Working knowledge necessary to begin independent application of principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments.
• Organizational abilities and decision-making to prioritize work assignments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner, to assist in identifying any challenges or barriers.
• Strong background in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or related disciplines.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $80,400 to $112,900 yearly at full time ($40,200 to $56,450 yearly at 50% FTE). This is a 50% FTE career position eligible for full benefits.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

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.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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.