Job Abstract

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Associate or Full Project Scientist in the lab of Rachel Brem, in the area of Fungal Biology and Genetics.

The Brem lab studies the genetic basis of evolutionary adaptation using fungi as a model system. We are looking for an Associate/Full Project Scientist to coordinate large-scale mutant screens including experimental genetics, data analysis, and mechanistic follow-up; to train new lab members; and to contribute to grant-writing and publication.

One current wing of the lab is focused on Thermothelomyces, a thermophilic fungus that can grow at temperatures exceeding 50°C and is compromised at room temperature and below. Thermophily is unusual in the fungal kingdom and we seek to understand how nature built this trait millions of years ago. The Associate/Full Project Scientist will contribute to genome-scale screens and then make mutants in candidate genes in Thermothelomyces to test their role in thermophily.

Another wing of the lab studies virulence-relevant traits in the human fungal pathogen Coccidioides. This organism replicates and undergoes a unique developmental life cycle inside mammalian cells. We want to know the genetic basis of Coccidioides phenotypes, and the Associate/Full Project Scientist will contribute to screens and make mutants in candidate genes in this species to validate their impact on growth, development, and infection.

Responsibilities:
? designing and executing experiments
? data management
? data analysis
? manuscript preparation
? presenting research
? contributing to grant proposals
? mentoring students

PhD (or equivalent international degree)

5 years of post PhD experience

• Experience designing and executing experimental genetic and genomic analyses in fungi, e.g. assays of growth, stress resistance, development, mating, morphology, and metabolism; construction of transgenic strains; omic screens; and experiments to investigate genome sequence and architecture
• Experience with assay development/troubleshooting, data interpretation, statistical analyses, oral and written communication of scientific results
• Understanding of fungal taxonomy, evolution, ecology, and phenotypic diversity

• 3 required (contact information only)

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

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

Please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.