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Specialist – Ullian Lab

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Position description

Specialist – Ullian Lab

A Specialist position is available in the Ullian Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at the UCSF School of Medicine.

The UCSF Department of Ophthalmology is one of the leading ophthalmology departments in clinical care, training, and research nationwide. It is a one of the largest recipients of federal grant funds among peer departments and has been in the top 10 in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, currently ranking #2. Additionally, we have been the #1 recipient of the Research to Prevent Blindness funding nationwide. Overall, the Department has a wide-ranging portfolio of 60 active research grants. Research, patient care, teaching, and public service activities are at multiple UCSF campuses: Parnassus, Mt. Zion, Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (VAMC), Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG), and Benioff Children’s Hospital at Mission Bay. The Department occupies over 60,000 of assignable square feet of space and supports 25 full-time clinical faculty, 10 basic scientists, over 50 volunteer and visiting faculty, 15 postdoctoral scholars, 15 residents, seven clinical fellows, graduate students, visiting researchers, as well as clinic and research staff for a total of 235 full time employees (FTEs).

The Ullian Lab studies the role of glia in neurodegeneration using 3D human brain organoids. We conduct cross-disciplinary research that employs cutting edge human patient and engineered iPSCs as well as CRISPRi/a technology to model neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). More information regarding the Ullian Lab can be found: https://ullianlab.ucsf.edu/blog

Under direct supervision, the Specialist will be responsible for maintenance, differentiation, and profiling of human pluripotent stem cell derived astrocytes, neurons, and microglia to discover molecular mechanisms impacting neurodegeneration. In addition, functional analysis of the derived cells will be conducted by measuring maturation markers and using targeted assays. The candidate will also be in charge of assembling the differentiated neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in 3D structures following a protocol developed by the Ullian lab. We will be using patient derived cell lines to model neurodegenerative disorders with a focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. The successful candidate will assist laboratory research by providing technical assistance, preparing and arranging reagents, ordering and inventory of stocks and maintaining an extensive research database for cell banking.

Techniques may include, but are not limited to basic molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culturing, genome editing, cloning, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and microscopy. The Specialist will work under the direct supervision of a postdoctoral fellow and/or a higher level SRA. There may be opportunities for co-authorship of manuscripts if the incumbent is motivated and exerts extra effort.

We are seeking a Specialist at the Junior, Assistant, or Associate rank.

Required Qualifications:
• Specialists appointed at the junior rank must possess (or in process of obtaining) a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in cell biology, neuroscience, or related field or must have at least four years of research experience.
• Specialists appointed at the Assistant/Associate must possess (or in process of obtaining) a master's degree (or equivalent degree) in cell biology, neuroscience, or related field or must have at least five years of research experience for the Assistant rank or must have at least five - ten years of research experience for the Associate rank.
• Applicant’s materials must list (pending) qualifications upon submission.
• Applicants must have obtained the degree requirement for the Specialist rank by the time of hire.
• Candidates must have organizational and collaborative skills, must be adaptable, reliable, and willing to learn and be a team player.
• Applicants must be hard working, passionate about research, organized, and be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Candidates must be willing to work in a research team, be organized, enjoy problem solving, and have strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience generating human iPSC derived astrocytes and neurons.
• Some experience in the neurodegeneration field is preferred but is not required.
• A strong interest and working knowledge in iPSC maintenance and microglial generation is preferred.
• Experience with generation of human neurons, astrocytes, and microglia is helpful but not required.
• Experience with CRISPR and genome engineering.
• Experience generating viruses.
• Laboratory experience with human pluripotent stem cell.
• Computational skills for RNA-seq data analysis.

Interested individuals should apply online with their CV, Cover Letter, and Contact Information for two references at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF03865. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period. Salary and rank will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and training.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Please see the following page for more details: https://diversity.ucsf.edu/contributions-to-diversity-statement
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2 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