Recruit

A full-time Specialist research position at the Junior, Assistant, Associate, and/or Full rank is immediately available in the development of immunotherapeutic approaches for hematologic malignancies. The position in the Gaensler Lab in the Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center/ Division of Hematology/Oncology at UCSF is in a vibrant environment where cross-cutting programs, including the Bakar ImmunoX Initiative, the Cancer Immunotherapy Program, CoLabs, and groups belonging to the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy are situated. The candidate must have recent training and research experience in molecular/cellular biology and immunology or a related discipline. Our laboratory is pursuing translational and pre-clinical studies using a novel leukemia vaccine (Shi et al., 2018). Currently, the outcomes for older patients with acute myelogenous leukemia are poor. Thus, our long-term objective is to enhance patients' anti-leukemic immunological responses and increase relapse-free survival. We are assessing immunological responses to engineered human leukemia vaccines in preparation for an IND application. We are also pursuing collaborative mechanistic studies on the tumor microenvironment with other investigators at UCSF and UCLA. Individuals interested in basic and translational cancer research and with a background in hematologic malignancies, cellular biology, immunology, and murine models of human disease are encouraged to apply. The Gaensler Lab's mission is to train the next generation of scientists under the mentorship of the lab’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Karin Gaensler, as well as additional members of the lab and collaborating investigators. Beyond training in technical skills, candidates will be provided with opportunities to present their research through presentations at local and national meetings, as well as to participate in co-authored publications. Training will be provided to enable the candidate to participate in a variety of laboratory projects.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Applying a range of molecular biology techniques, including cloning, and construct design
• Performing flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry
• Finding, Sharing, and Managing Data
• Performing gene transfer studies using lentiviral infection of human cell cultures
• Culturing primary immune cells and establishing 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, and supplies
• Reading literature applicable to research areas as required
• Participating in laboratory meetings and planning
• A two-year commitment is expected. Depending on performance and workload, opportunities for independent research, mentorship of other trainees, and scientific writing will be available.

Required qualifications:
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)
• 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
• Follow Guidelines of Reproducibility for Biomedical Researchers
• Must have (or be in the process of obtaining) a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience to be appointed at the Junior rank
• Must have (or be in the process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or a bachelor’s degree with 3 or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Assistant rank
• Must have (or be in the process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or at least five to ten years of research experience to be appointed at the Associate rank
• Must have (or be in the process of obtaining) a terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or at least 10 years of research experience to be appointed at the Full rank
• Prior experience working with biological samples in a laboratory setting

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in basic aspects of biochemistry and cell biology including
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.
• Background in bio-informatics desirable

Applicants must meet all required qualifications by time of hire.

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05113. 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-$181,800.

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.