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Departmental Overview

The Essig Museum is a world-class research collection of insects and spiders with over five million specimens largely from western North America, with additional representation from Pacific Islands, Chile, Central America, and other regions. Although the collection was inaugurated in 1939, some specimens date back to the 1880s. The collection continues to grow through the research enterprises of faculty, staff, and students, including biodiversity surveys, ecology and behavioral studies, and taxonomy and systematic research.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: June 11, 2026

Responsibilities

The Essig Museum will incorporate and curate the UC Berkeley biological control insect collection, which represents a specimen-based history of biological control in California. The collection includes specimens, stored in various ways, and their associated meta-data. The position serves as the primary technical staff member responsible for incorporating these specimens and information into the museum's collection, including digitization efforts and the use of laboratory procedures as necessary.

• 45% Enter and verify specimen information including locality, collection date, and related notes from specimen labels and historical card files into the museums database to ensure accurate digital records and accessibility.
• 30% Prepare and preserve insect specimens by pinning or point-mounting unmounted materials according to museum standards. This may involve rehydrating fragile or dried specimens prior to handling to ensure proper positioning and minimize damage.
• 15% Assign and attach unique Essig Museum catalog numbers to individual specimens to support accurate identification, tracking, and long-term collection management.
• 10% Assist with the organization, labeling, storage, and general maintenance of the BioControl collection in accordance with Essig Museum curation standards to support preservation, accessibility, and research use.

Required Qualifications

• Understands the operation of lab equipment.
• General knowledge and experience in entomology, including taxonomy
• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, good record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and reliably.
• Good interpersonal skills and communication ability.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Entomology or related field, or equivalent in lab and/or field experience
• Advanced knowledge of entomology, including collecting techniques, preservation, and identification

Salary & Benefits

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 hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $28.69.

• This is a part-time (32 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This recruitment has 1 opening.

• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.