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Specialist

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Position description

Specialist
UCSF, Mission Bay Campus

The Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) at UCSF, Mission Bay Campus is seeking a Specialist for full-time work to perform and manage research activities in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. The position is in the laboratory of Prof. Jason Gestwicki and will support research efforts using multidisciplinary approach to identify small molecule modulators of molecular chaperone to treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Highly motivated candidates capable of independent problem solving and teamwork are encouraged to apply. This position will be part of a collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities in the Sandler Neurosciences Building on the UCSF Mission Bay campus. A successful candidate will be hired at Specialist rank commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Duties Include:

  • Perform molecular cloning, protein expression, protein purification, cell culture and assay development.
  • Perform biochemical HTS to identify molecular chaperone modulators and hit triage based on primary and secondary assays.
  • Resynthesize and optimize the confirmed hit compounds to improve the potency and physicochemical properties.
  • Design compounds based on molecular docking and structural biology data
  • Perform in vitro microsomal stability, plasma protein binding, solubility and permeability assays.
  • Mentor and train visiting undergraduate and PhD students if necessary.
  • Ship chemical compounds and protein samples worldwide
  • Maintain chemical inventory and ensure lab compliance with health and safety

Required Qualifications

  • PhD degree in medicinal chemistry or chemical biology or related field with relevant postdoc experiences

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience in molecular biology including PCR, cloning, and work with recombinant DNA.
  • Experience in biochemistry including protein expression, purification and assay development including biophysical assays, such as ITC, SPR, MST and thermal shift assay.
  • Experience in cell-based assays, including reporter assay, cell proliferation assay and study of mechanism action of small molecules.
  • Experience in structure-based drug discovery, including hit to lead and lead optimization
  • Proficient in synthetic organic chemistry.
  • Experience in using LC/MS/MS to qualify compound concentrations in plasma samples.
  • Experience in mentoring PhD and undergraduate students.

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. 
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/JPF02447, with a CV, cover letter and 3 references (contact information only). The cover letter should include 1-2 paragraphs describing the applicant's research experience and long-term goals.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter - cover letter should include 1-2 paragraphs describing applicant's research experience and long-term goals

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity (Optional)

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

San Francisco, CA