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Molecular Graphics Specialist

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Position description

Specialist

Job Summary
The UCSF Resource for Biocomputing, Visualization, and Informatics (RBVI) has an immediate opening for a scientist or bioengineer with expertise in molecular graphics to join our team as we develop the next generation of tools for interactive visualization and analysis of biological structures. The RBVI’s ChimeraX application is already in widespread use by researchers for visualizing macromolecular structures, electron-microscopy (EM) density maps of macromolecular complexes and subcellular structures, and light microscopy images of cellular structure using traditional 2D displays, stereoscopic displays, and virtual reality (VR) headsets. We now wish to enhance ChimeraX’s capabilities in the areas of cryo-EM and light microscopy image analysis (e.g. segmentation), medical imaging, and more advanced VR-based user interfaces, including interfaces for collaborative VR and augmented reality. Additionally, we aim to improve support for outside developers through development of application programmer interfaces (APIs) to the ChimeraX “core” application. The successful candidate must have demonstrated skills in programming scientific visualization and VR applications, and must be versed in the field of structural biology such that she/he can discuss detailed software requirements with research scientists who may not be familiar with computer programming.

Department Description
Established in 1970, the RBVI and its precursor, the Computer Graphics Laboratory, develops cutting-edge interactive software tools and advanced web-based computational resources that provide integrated visualizations and analyses of molecular structures and related nonstructural biological information.

The tools we develop are applied to diverse types of biomolecular data, including atomic-resolution coordinates, 3D density maps and light microscopy data, and protein and nucleic acid sequences, annotations, and networks. We focus on unmet software needs for basic and applied biomedical research using highly trained and talented staff, with excellent interdisciplinary knowledge in structural biology, computer visualization, software engineering, and data science. Our primary efforts are in interactive visualization and analysis of structures of molecules and molecular assemblies, protein sequence-structure-function relationships, and network representations of protein similarity, binding interactions, and biological pathways. These areas are critical for addressing important biomedical problems related to health care and disease treatment and prevention.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in structural biology or a related field
  • Proficiency in the Python and C++ programming languages
  • Experience with the OpenGL 3D graphics application programmer interface
  • Demonstrated skills in object oriented programming
  • Experience in implementing 3D molecular graphics applications
  • Experience in implementing virtual reality (VR) applications targeted at scientists and researchers
  • Interest in applying computational methods to biological/biomedical research problems
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and carefully coordinate development of software with other programmers
  • Demonstrated ability to use and apply professional coding practices, such as versioning control, issue tracking, regression testing, code release cycles, and multiple platform support
  • Desire to interact and collaborate with, and provide training to the scientist-users of our software, both at UCSF and at other institutions

Preferred Qualifications

  • Significant experience in 3D interactive graphics systems, including the Vulkan and/or Metal APIs, or DirectX
  • Experience implementing or using software in support of data analysis from electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, or light microscopy experiments
  • Proven track record publishing articles in scientific journals and teaching students

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/JPF03548, with CV, cover letter, and three reference contacts.

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)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco

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.

Job location

San Francisco, CA