Recruit

Area of Specialization / Responsibilities:
The Allen lab at UCSF is seeking applicants for a full-time position as a Junior/Assistant/Associate Specialist in our group. Our laboratory is engineering next-generation immune cells to tackle complex diseases such as cancer. We develop and apply new synthetic biology tools to reprogram how a patient’s immune cells (T cells, macrophages, etc …) process information, interact with each other, and execute anti-tumor functions. These tools allow us to interrogate tumor immunology with a unique “build to understand” mentality and to provide the tools to springboard to academic phase I clinical trials at UCSF.

Our research group interfaces closely with the UCSF Cell Design Institute and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and candidates will participate in the dynamic academic environment of the greater UCSF cell therapy community. The selected candidate will perform laboratory and investigative procedures by conducting a variety of experimental techniques such as molecular cloning, cell culture (cell lines and primary cells), flow cytometry, CRISPR gene editing, and analysis of mouse tumor models. Technical training will be provided to complete these tasks, and the successful candidate must be able to learn new cell biological assays and execute them as necessary. The specialist will assist with ongoing experiments and to new research projects in development.

The Allen lab’s mission is to train the next generation of scientists under the mentorship of the lab’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Greg Allen, as well as additional members of the lab. Beyond training in technical skills, candidates will be provided with opportunities to present their research through research talks as well as co-authored publications.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Applying a range of molecular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, and synthetic construct design.
• Performing flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
• Performing gene transfer studies using lentiviral infection of human cell cultures.
• Culturing primary immune cells and established cancer cell lines.
• Conducting studies of immune cell therapies against a variety of cancer cell lines in mice.
• High-dimensional analysis of mouse tumor specimens using spectral flow, CyTOF, or scRNAseq
• Assisting with lab maintenance duties, including ordering chemicals, reagents, supplies.
• Reading literature applicable to research areas as required
• Participating in laboratory meetings and planning

Required Qualifications
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) or four years of research experience to be appointed at the Junior rank.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or a baccalaureate degree with 3 or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Assistant rank.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or at least ten years of research experience to be appointed at the Associate ranks.
• Prior experience working with biological samples in a laboratory setting

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in basic aspects of biochemistry and cell biology including observing sterile technique for working with and passaging cell lines, counting cells, and preparing lysates.
• Willingness to work with laboratory mice.
• Experience with mammalian tissue culture and flow cytometry
• Computer software skills (MS Office, PRISM, Benchling, Flowjo, Illustrator)
• Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction. Able to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques.

A 2-year commitment is preferred. Depending on performance and workload, opportunities for independent research, mentorship of other trainees, and scientific writing will be available.

Applicants must meet requirements by the time of hire.

Please apply via AP Recruit at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF04656. Applicants’ materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.
See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $51,300-$82,100.

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.