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Sweet-Cordero Lab - Junior/Assistant Specialist

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Position description

Our laboratory studies pediatric and adult cancer using genomic and in vivo approaches. We are looking for a specialist who would have three primary roles:

  1. Using the electronic medical record and working closely with physicians at Benioff Children's Hospitals (San Francisco and Oakland), the specialist will identify patients eligible for sample banking and make sure that consent is available prior to surgery or other procedures (bone marrow aspirate, phlebotomy etc). Required skills include the ability to communicate with and provide informed consent to patients as well as coordinate with clinical personnel. Consent is usually obtained by clinic personnel but specialist may need to assist if no clinical personnel available. Specialist will also be responsible for maintaining a database of patients and patient samples. Willingness to work with pediatric patients (and their families) who are experiencing life-threatening illness is a prerequisite. Specialist will then work with surgical and pathology staff to procure patient samples (blood, tumor tissue, etc) and store for future use.
  2. Specialist will conduct life science research experiments under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) or other laboratory staff. Since tissue samples from patients are processed, adherence to strict quality control and standard operating procedures is required. Experiments will involve DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, Immnohistochemistry, cloning, next-generation sequencing library preparation and other molecular biology techniques.
  3. Establish human-in-mouse xenograft (patient derived xenograft) models using immunocompromised mice. Tumors taken from patients are grafted in to mice to establish pre-clinical models for drug testing and other experiments. Specialist will be required to work with mice and perform small animal surgeries. Willingness and disposition to work with animals for research is essential. Strict adherence to the relevant protocols and procedures is expected.

Required qualifications:
• Specialists appointed at the junior rank must possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment, social science research methods, or creative activities).
• Specialists appointed at the Assistant rank must possess a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Some experience working directly with patients in a clinical setting.
• At least one year experience working in a laboratory setting and knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques is essential (DNA and RNA isolation, gel eletrophoresis, PCR).
• Willingness to work with human clinical samples (tumor samples, blood, etc) is essential.
• Willingness to work with rodents for research and to perform simple surgeries is essential.
• Ability to prepare reports, slides etc and other materials to communicate research and interest in participating in manuscript preparation.
• Since patient samples are involved, extreme attention to detail and impeccable record-keeping are also required.
• Ability to search and read scientific literature and summarize new protocols and identify relevant approaches applicable to the research being performed is highly desired

Preferred qualifications:
• Knowledge of excel and ability to work with complex databases such as FileMaker is strongly desired.
• Since clinical samples are involved, willingness to have flexible hours (come in early or stay late to receive clinical samples) is strongly preferred.
• As this is an ongoing, cutting-edge project, willingness to be flexible and help develop novel assays, techniques and protocols is highly desired.

Appointees in the Specialist series will be expected to engage in specialized research, professional activities and do not have teaching responsibilities. Specialists are expected to use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions, and may participate in University and Public Service. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period. Salary and rank will be commensurate with the applicants experience and training.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service that 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.

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/apply/JPF01888

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity (Optional)

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Job location

San Francisco, CA