Staff Research Associate I

Job Summary

The Liu Laboratory within the UCSF Departments of Radiation Oncology and Neurological Surgery and the Director of the UCSF Brain Tumor Center are recruiting a highly motivated candidate with prior laboratory experience to fill a Staff Research Associate position.

The Brain Tumor Center at UCSF focuses on developing new treatments for patients with malignancies of the central nervous system by

(1) studying the mechanisms through which brain tumors develop and become resistant to treatments and
(2) identifying novel therapeutic targets using molecular biology, CRISPR genome and epigenome editing, biochemistry, mouse genetics, bioinformatics, pharmacology, and multidisciplinary collaborations.

We work collaboratively with basic scientists, computational biologists, and physician-scientists at the UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Center and broadly throughout the UCSF Campuses. Please refer to https://braintumorcenter.ucsf.edu/research for an overview of research efforts.

Under direct supervision and guidance, the Staff Research Associate will play an instrumental role in developing and deploying genetic and epigenetic editing technologies for treating malignant gliomas, working side-by-side with physician-scientist investigator Dr. John Liu (MD/PhD Assistant Professor) and under supervision of Dr. Mitchel Berger, Director of the UCSF Brain Tumor Center.

This project specifically involves close collaboration across the labs of the UCSF Brain Tumor Center as well as the UCSF Preclinical Therapeutics Core. The employee will learn and utilize a variety of research techniques and have the opportunity to be a co-author on publications as well as present at international conferences.

Under direct supervision and guidance, the job responsibilities and opportunities include but are not limited to:

• Molecular biology including molecular cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA/Protein analysis, DNA methylation epigenetic analysis including bisulfite sequencing
• Culturing human and mouse cancer cell lines, primary brain tumor cultures, and organoids
• Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy analysis
• Performing gene knockdown and epigenetic editing using engineered CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, including genome-wide CRISPR screens
• Assisting with mouse colony management, including breeding, weaning, tagging, and PCR genotyping
• Assisting with intracranial xenograft studies and pharmacologic experiments in mice
• Dissection and dissociation of tumor xenografts for single cell RNA-seq and multi-omics analysis
• Assisting with lab maintenance duties including acquisition of materials and documentation

Prior familiarity with these techniques is a plus but not required, and a willingness to learn new techniques is expected. In addition, the successful applicant will receive direct mentorship to ensure that specific laboratory responsibilities are tailored and directed toward future career objectives, such as the pursuit of a MD, biomedical PhD, or MD/PhD.

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

To see the salary range for this position (we recommend that you make a note of the job code and use that to look up): TCS Non-Academic Titles Search (https://tcs.ucop.edu/non-academic-titles)

Please note: An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate AND the current salary level of individuals working at UCSF in a similar role.

For roles covered by a bargaining unit agreement, there will be specific rules about where a new hire would be placed on the range.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Department Description

The Department of Neurosurgery at UCSF is one of the most pre-emanate neurosurgical departments in the country for clinical care, training and research. The department is number one academic research publication productivity and recently named as one of the top Neurosurgery Training Programs in the country. The Department is also ranked 4th in the nation for Neurosurgery & Neurology and is the number one Neurosurgery Department on the west coast (US News & World Report). Central administration at the Parnassus Heights location is responsible for directing all administrative functions of the department. The department’s Spine Group Team is currently located at UCSF Parnassus Campus.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Strong degree of self-motivation, eagerness to learn and think critically, and enthusiasm for science and/or medicine
• Attention to detail and problem solving ability
• Demonstrated reliability and integrity
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Initiative to work well as part of a team and also independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge and understanding of cancer biology
• Effective use of laboratory instruments and their maintenance; knowledge of biomedical and biotechnological techniques and methodologies
• Working knowledge in tissue culture and basic molecular/cell biology
• Knowledge and experience with CRISPR/Cas9 techniques

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California San Francisco 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, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Job Code and Payroll Title

009613 SRA 1

Job Category

Research and Scientific

Bargaining Unit

University Professional Technical Employees – Research Support Professionals Unit (UPTE-RX)

Additional Shift Details

40 hours