Junior or Assistant Specialist- Jia Laboratory

Junior or Assistant Specialist- Jia Laboratory

Department of Physiology

We are seeking a Junior or Assistant Specialist to join the Jia laboratory at UCSF. In this position, you will contribute to research on ion-driven signaling in developing cells and tissues. This is an understudied area where you will have the opportunity to generate fundamental insights into novel mechanisms of cellular information processing. We are an interdisciplinary lab that uses a wide array of experimental approaches - depending on your interests, you will have the opportunity to gain expertise in molecular biology, synthetic biology/protein engineering, optogenetics, stem cell differentiation, zebrafish developmental biology, microscopy and optical engineering, patch clamp electrophysiology, deep learning image analysis, and/or mathematical modeling. This position is a unique opportunity for a researcher with high potential to work at a unique interface between organ physiology, developmental biology, and molecular biophysics. You will be one of the first trainees in a new lab and contribute to its establishment. You will have the chance to work closely with the principal investigator while developing a high degree of research independence. You will have the opportunity to design and develop your own project and author or co-author publications. In this position, you will:

• Use molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, Gibson Assembly, DNA/RNA isolation, in vitro transcription, to generate synthetic biology tools to measure and manipulate the physiology of mammalian cells or zebrafish embryos.
• Perform cutting-edge microscopy techniques involving online segmentation and analysis with closed-loop optogenetic perturbations, at high throughput in cell culture or in 3D in developing embryos.
• Conduct zebrafish embryology or maintenance and differentiation of human or mouse stem cells.
• Share in communal lab responsibilities such as glass wash, ordering reagents, stock solution preparation, microscope maintenance.
• Maintain an organized and detailed lab notebook.
• Learn to develop a high degree of independence with research planning, execution, analysis, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Present at group meetings and seminars.

Required Qualifications:

• Junior Specialist - Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience
• Assistant Specialist - Master's degree or a baccalaureate degree with three or more years of research experience
• Have strong curiosity, passion for science, and work ethic.
• Have a vision for how you will leverage your time in this role to further your scientific or career interests.
• Have past wet lab experience or a demonstrated track record of rapidly acquiring technical skills to a high degree of proficiency.
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment. Candidate's CV must state qualifications or if pending upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Any of the following skills are relevant: molecular cloning, PCR and gel electrophoresis, western blot, zebrafish husbandry, mammalian cell culture and transfection, stem cell culture and differentiation, fluorescence microscopy, optics, patch clamp electrophysiology, protein engineering, image analysis, deep learning/artificial intelligence.

Please apply https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05409, online at with a CV, cover letter, and three references.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100-$68,300.

• 3 required (contact information only)

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.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. The University of California 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.

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal 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.

* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH

* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

* APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf