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Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist – Kasahara Lab

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Position description

Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist – Kasahara Lab

The Department of Neurological Surgery is seeking a Specialist at the Assistant, Associate, or Full rank.

Area of Specialization:
The design and performance of research focused on the development of novel experimental genetic, viral, cellular, and immunological therapies for brain tumors. He or she will work independently to design and perform experimental studies, to troubleshoot technical problems, and to record, organize, and analyze data. This individual will have sophisticated knowledge of molecular and cellular biology in application to gene therapy and cell therapy using viral vectors or oncolytic viruses, and preferred candidates will have substantial experience with viral vector construction, production, purification, concentration, and characterization methods. He or she will be able to initiate and pursue collaborations with scientists within UCSF or elsewhere. This individual will also be responsible for hands-on supervision of various laboratory operations and activities of technical staff on a daily basis.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  1. Responsible for molecular construction, small- and large-scale production, purification, concentration, titer determination, and testing of viral vectors, as well as implementing other standard lab techniques and lab-specific technologies for vector manufacturing process development, including mammalian cell culture, transduction of human and murine cells, routine molecular biology procedures (e.g., plasmid preps, DNA/RNA extraction, Q-PCR, western blotting, etc.), and flow cytometry.

  2. Responsible for assisting the laboratory manager with oversight of daily operations and procedures related to assigned research projects and staff. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
    a. Ordering, purchasing, and maintenance of all required reagents and supplies for lab activities, and monitor and maintain inventory of supplies and stocks.
    b. Maintain institutional biosafety and animal care protocols, laboratory safety records, and standard operating procedures.
    c. Oversee on-going routine maintenance of lab equipment and facilities, including regularly scheduled equipment calibrations and annual renewal of equipment maintenance contracts, hood inspection and re-certification, and repair as necessary;
    d. Provide technical supervision to research staff and other laboratory members as needed.
    e. Provide orientation and training in laboratory policies and procedures to new students, research associates, and postdoctoral fellows.

  3. Responsible for planning and conduct of complex in vitro and in vivo experiments requiring molecular, cellular, and virological techniques in order to develop genetic and cellular therapies for cancer and regenerative medicine, and coordinating with other lab staff and collaborators to pursue projects in this area.

  4. Responsible for collecting and recording data, and analysis and organization of experimental results for submission of manuscripts and for scientific presentations using Power Point, and other graphics software as needed.

  5. Responsible for writing scientific articles, reviews and book chapters in conjunction with the Principal Investigator (PI), and assisting the PI in writing grant proposals to obtain research funding, and reviewing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.

  6. Responsible for keeping abreast of the latest literature in the field and searching for references to technical problems and keeping up-to-date of the methods and techniques related to the specific field of research.

  7. Perform other duties as assigned. (Please note, the above description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties associated with this position.)

Required Qualifications:

  • Specialists appointed at the Assistant/Associate rank must possess a Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular or Cellular Biology, Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, or other related field.
  • Specialists appointed at the Full rank must possess (or in process of obtaining) a Ph.D. degree in Microbiology, Molecular or Cellular Biology, Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, or other related field.
  • Applicant’s materials must list (pending) qualifications upon submission.
  • Applicants must have obtained the degree requirement for the Full Specialist rank by the time of hire.
  • Must be able to work with minimum direct supervision and independent judgment is required.
  • Excellent skills in computer and English (both verbal and written) required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Candidates with at least two years of experience in academia and/or industry after conferral of their most recent advanced degree (Masters or PhD), particularly with practical experience with viral vectors and/or oncolytic viruses, as well as in performing non-routine and complex laboratory duties requiring relevant technical skills and proficiency, are preferred.
  • Proficiency with construction, production, and analysis of viral vectors (particularly replicating viral vectors and/or oncolytic viruses).
  • Proficiency with in vitro molecular analytical methods including PCR and quantitative PCR, mammalian cell culture and cellular assays including flow cytometry and MTS assays, and in vivo cancer models.
  • Post-graduate training in field.
  • Independent specialized research.
  • Management experience.

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/JPF03130.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

  • 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