Student Assistant

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring two Student Assistants in the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division to support the Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area and CHESS campaign in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

Responsibilities include analyzing soil cores for geochemical and physical properties, extracting microbial DNA/RNA, sectioning and organizing samples, and maintaining accurate laboratory records and datasets. Students will also assist with data quality control, basic statistical analysis, and exploring AI tools for scientific literature collection and synthesis.

Prior laboratory experience in biology, chemistry, or geosciences is beneficial but not required. Successful candidates should be detail-oriented, organized, motivated, able to learn new protocols, and committed to laboratory safety. This position offers hands-on research experience within an interdisciplinary team studying Earth and environmental systems.

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!

You will:

• Perform basic laboratory procedures, including pipetting, titrations, microscopy, centrifugation.

• Prepare chemical solutions, buffers, and reagents accurately, which requires a strong understanding of molarity, stoichiometry, and basic chemistry and biology.

• Conduct soil texture and soil hydraulic parameter analysis including sieving and grinding soils.

• Use basic chemistry equipment such as spectrophotometers, pH meters.

• Perform molecular biologic techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction from soil

• Learn AI methods to organize and synthesize scientific literature.

• Maintain adherence to all safety protocols.

• Maintain detailed and accurate inventories of all samples and soil cores.

• Enter, organize, and document laboratory data, maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and spreadsheets.

• Contribute high quality datasets to team members for basic and advanced statistical and modeling analysis.

We are looking for:

• Current undergraduate student pursuing coursework in chemistry, biology, the geosciences, or a related field.

• Ability to follow established laboratory procedures, maintain accurate records, and learn new laboratory techniques.

• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures and emergency response procedures; to complete required training for handling hazardous materials, including biological, chemical, and environmental materials; and to use Safety Data Sheets and appropriate personal protective equipment.

• Strong attention to detail to prevent cross-contamination and support the reproducibility of experiments/analyses.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

• Strong time management and organizational abilities.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and scientists.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Undergraduate coursework and laboratory experience in chemistry, including organic and inorganic chemistry.

• Undergraduate coursework and laboratory experience in biology, with microbiology and molecular biology preferred.

• Some experience with data curation and analysis using R, Python, or other coding languages.

Additional information:

• Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a part-time, with a projected ending date of May 14, 2027, student assistant appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.

• Salary range: The expected hourly range for this position is $19.61 - $51.69, depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.