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Physics Lab Assistant Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

... Assist in management/procurement for adjacent equipment like resin 3d printers. • Safety ... We take the physics seriously, but we don't let red tape slow us down. If you want to own a ...

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Physics Lab Assistant information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$12

$24

$36

How much do physics lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics lab assistant in Berkeley, CA is $24.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $28.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Physics Lab Assistant job?

A Physics Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing equipment, setting up experiments, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They assist students and researchers by maintaining lab instruments, recording data, and troubleshooting technical issues. Their role is essential in ensuring a smooth and organized lab environment.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Physics Lab Assistant?

As a Physics Lab Assistant, your daily tasks may include preparing laboratory equipment, setting up experiments, monitoring experiments during lab sessions, and assisting students or researchers with technical issues. You are often responsible for keeping the lab organized, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and recording or analyzing experimental data. Collaboration is common, as you’ll work closely with supervisors, faculty, and students to support laboratory activities. This hands-on role provides valuable experience for those interested in scientific research, teaching, or pursuing further studies in physics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Physics Lab Assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of physics principles, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols, often supported by coursework or a degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data collection software, and occasionally OSHA or lab safety certifications is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These abilities ensure accurate experiment execution, reliable data collection, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA? For Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Physics Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Physics Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Physics Lab Assistant job openings in Berkeley, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,565 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Abrahamsson Lab - Research Assistant - Computational Chemistry (Junior Specialist)

Abrahamsson Lab - Research Assistant - Computational Chemistry (Junior Specialist)

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Application Window
Open date: July 9, 2026
Most recent review date: Friday, Jul 24, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Sunday, Jan 9, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Research Assistant - Computational Chemistry (Junior Specialist)
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - Mission Bay Campus
Abrahamsson Lab (PI: Dr. Dimitri Abrahamsson)
We are seeking a motivated individual to join our research group as a part-time Computational Chemistry Research Assistant. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of computational chemistry and analytical instrumentation, with the potential to extend to full-time depending on performance and project needs.
About the Role
You will help develop and apply computational methods to solve outstanding problems in high-resolution mass spectrometry. The work draws on a combination of approaches, including quantum chemical calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning. You will work alongside an interdisciplinary team in the Abrahamsson Lab and gain hands-on experience with techniques widely used in modern chemical and biophysical research.
Responsibilities
  • Set up, run, and analyze quantum chemical and molecular dynamics calculations
  • Develop and apply machine learning models to chemical and spectrometric data
  • Process, interpret, and visualize computational and experimental results
  • Document methods and findings, and contribute to group discussions and meetings

Qualifications
  • Recent graduate with a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, computer science, or a related field or at least four years of research experience.
  • Coursework or demonstrated experience in computational or physical chemistry
  • Programming experience (e.g., Python) is strongly preferred
  • Familiarity with quantum chemistry software (e.g., Psi4, ORCA, Gaussian), molecular dynamics packages (e.g., GROMACS, AMBER, OpenMM), or machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, scikit-learn, TensorFlow) is a plus but not required
  • Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000-$58,600.
How to Apply
Please click here to apply with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references. In your cover letter, briefly describe your relevant background, your interest in the position, and your availability. Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission. The selected candidate must meet all the qualifications at the time of appointment.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Cover Letter - In your cover letter, briefly describe your relevant background, your interest in the position, and your availability.
  • Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
  • Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco
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.
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.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• "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, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
San Francisco, CA

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