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Associate Specialist
Shain Laboratory, Department of Dermatology
Job Description

The Shain Laboratory in the UCSF Department of Dermatology is seeking an Associate Specialist to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying skin cancer development. Our research examines how normal melanocytes and keratinocytes acquire mutations and evolve into melanoma and keratinocyte cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. We also study how environmental exposures, cellular context, and preventive interventions influence mutation accumulation and clonal selection in normal skin.

The laboratory integrates experimental and computational approaches, including primary human cell culture, next-generation sequencing, single-cell DNA and RNA sequencing, paired genomic and transcriptomic profiling, spatial transcriptomics, and computational genomics. The laboratory is affiliated with the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and leads a research center within the National Cancer Institute’s Human Tumor Atlas Network.

The Associate Specialist will make independent and creative contributions to research projects characterizing the genomic and transcriptomic landscapes of normal skin and skin cancer. The successful candidate will lead or co-lead projects from experimental design through data generation, computational analysis, interpretation, and publication. The position is well suited to a scientist with expertise spanning molecular biology, skin biology, and cancer genomics.

Responsibilities will include:

• Designing and conducting studies of melanocytes, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and skin cancers.
• Isolating and culturing primary human cells and preparing samples for genomic and transcriptomic profiling.
• Performing molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, library preparation, and quality-control assays.
• Applying next-generation sequencing methods, including single-cell, paired genomic/transcriptomic, and spatial transcriptomic approaches.
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining computational workflows for high-throughput sequencing data.
• Analyzing somatic mutations, mutational signatures, gene-expression programs, and spatially resolved molecular data.
• Integrating experimental and computational findings to generate and test biological hypotheses.
• Preparing figures, manuscripts, presentations, and materials supporting research proposals.
• Coordinating collaborative projects and communicating findings to investigators with diverse experimental, computational, and clinical backgrounds.
• Training and mentoring students, research assistants, and other laboratory personnel.
• Maintaining accurate experimental and computational records and adhering to laboratory, data-management, and campus safety policies.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline, or five to ten years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting molecular, cellular, or genomic research.
• Experience with primary cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience generating or analyzing next-generation sequencing data.
• Familiarity with computational analysis of biological data using R, Python, or comparable tools.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, such as contributions to peer-reviewed publications or scientific presentations.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot technical problems, and manage multiple research activities.
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to experimental documentation and data integrity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to adhere to all applicable laboratory and campus safety policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Postdoctoral or comparable postgraduate research experience.
• Experience in skin biology, pigment cell biology, melanoma, or keratinocyte cancer research.
• Experience isolating or culturing primary melanocytes, keratinocytes, or fibroblasts.
• Experience with paired genomic and transcriptomic methods such as G&T-seq.
• Experience with single-cell DNA or RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic platforms such as Xenium or Visium.
• Experience analyzing somatic variants, mutational signatures, copy-number alterations, gene-expression data, or spatial molecular data.
• Experience developing reproducible bioinformatic workflows for high-throughput sequencing data.
• Demonstrated experience leading research projects and training junior researchers.

Candidates must meet all required qualifications by the time of appointment. Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

Physical Requirements

• Good visual acuity and accurate color discrimination.
• Manual dexterity and the ability to use delicate laboratory instrumentation.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Laboratory work may involve exposure to chemical reagents and other potentially hazardous materials. Appropriate training and personal protective equipment will be provided.

Please apply online at UCSF AP Recruit by submitting a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for three references.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $78,300-$91,100.

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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment