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Junior or Assistant Specialist/Associate Scientist | Small Molecule Discovery Center

Application Window

Open date: May 18, 2023

Most recent review date: Friday, Jun 2, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Junior or Assistant Specialist/Associate Scientist
Small Molecule Discovery Center

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
University of California, San Francisco

The Small Molecule Discovery Center (SMDC) at UCSF is seeking a highly collaborative biologist or biochemist with a passion for drug discovery and chemical biology. The successful applicant will learn to design, optimize and conduct biochemical and cell-based high-throughput screens, analyze and upload screening data, train users, and assist with compound library management. Scientists who enjoy working on diverse problems and thrive in a team-oriented, multi-disciplinary environment are ideally suited for this position.

The SMDC is a leader in academic drug discovery and chemical biology. When biomedical research at UCSF uncovers new potential targets for drug discovery, the SMDC works with researchers to develop chemical tools and drug leads to further understand and exploit these targets for human health. Current major projects include antiviral drug discovery, integration of experiment and machine-learning models, and developing covalent drug discovery for challenging and novel targets.

The position will report to Dr. Jezrael Revalde, senior scientist at the SMDC in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Dr. Michelle Arkin, Professor and Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, directs the SMDC.

To learn about our science, visit our websites at:
https://pharm.ucsf.edu/smdc
https://pharmchem.ucsf.edu/
https://pharm.ucsf.edu/arkin

Responsibilities include:

  • Develop and optimize screening assays
  • Execute automated screening campaigns
  • Work in highly interdisciplinary team environment
  • Train users on SMDC equipment and assay technologies
  • Perform other professional duties as needed

Required Qualifications

  • Junior Specialist- BA/BS or related degree in Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biology, or related discipline
  • Assistant Specialist- Master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with 3 or more years of research experience.
  • Associate Specialist- Mater’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of relevant experience
  • Experience with screening, fragment screening, cell biology, or chemistry
  • Enthusiasm for working in a team research environment
  • Strong written and communication skills
  • Candidate’s must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment
  • Candidate’s CV must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Three years post-BA/BS experience in related fields
  • Experience with liquid handling equipment, high-content imaging and analysis software
  • Experience in biochemical and cell-based assay development
  • Experience with biophysical methodology, such as DSF, SPR
  • Experience with HTS data management/visualization software (Dotmatics, Vortex, Datawarrior, Knime)

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and training.

Applicants should submit a brief cover letter and a curriculum vitae. Please apply online and submit these documents along with the contact information for at least two references to: https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF04525

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $49,000-$78,500.

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: Contributions to Diversity Statement
    (Optional)

  • Misc / Additional (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.