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Associate Research Specialist

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Position description

Associate Research Specialist
Department of Surgery
University of California, San Francisco

The Conte Laboratory at the University of California, San Francisco is seeking an associate research specialist to participate in basic laboratory investigations that are focused on understanding and improving the healing response of blood vessels following angioplasty and bypass surgery, with the goal of improving the long-term results of these common operations. The Conte Lab is part of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Mission Bay (located in the Smith Cardiovascular Research Building).

The laboratory is a fully functional cellular, molecular, and physiology lab that employs translational studies using human and animal tissues, as well as in-vivo experimentation. Specifically, the laboratory investigates the vascular biology of restenosis and the vessel wall response to injury, and has multiple projects related to the “resolution of inflammation.” They are interested in the molecular pathways which govern the survival and growth of endothelial and smooth muscle cells at site of blood vessel injury. They have also had a long-standing interest in the local delivery of genes, small molecules and drugs to blood vessels. Cell culture, animal models, and human tissues are employed routinely in this work.

The Conte Lab Project Manager will be expected to manage and support multiple projects, but the main focus will be on government business contracts that require the incumbent to act as the Project Manager with guidance from the PI (Principal Investigator). Project management responsibilities include coordinating and setting agendas for meetings; working closely with co-investigators and vendors to keep projects on track; assist with budget preparation and supply management; assist with preparation of contracts and budgets with federal contractors; maintain communication with sponsors and help prepare progress reports and other summaries; and analyze data and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals. The laboratory duties include animal surgical procedures; performing in vitro cell culture; collection and preparation of tissue for histopathologic analyses; immunohistochemistry and computerized image analysis; molecular biology techniques including gene expression and protein analysis; helping to train and assisting new personnel (e.g. fellows and trainees) in lab techniques, lab safety guidelines, as well as on their individual projects; and performing other duties as assigned by the PI. This position will work closely with the Conte Lab Manager and other collaborators located both internally here at UCSF and externally.

In addition, the incumbent will have the opportunity to work on independent projects with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms of vascular injury. Research projects will focus on identifying target molecules for development of therapeutics that will result in the suppression of vascular lesions, as well as identify genetic or molecular signatures for risk prediction and diagnostics.

Candidates must have a master’s degree in a related science field and knowledge of, and three or more years of experience with, the duties, methods, or techniques required by the position. Candidates with a PhD in molecular cell biology or other related field plus three or more years of post-doctoral fellowship experience is preferred. Candidates must have previous experience working in a basic/translational laboratory research with a PI and have knowledge of basic molecular and cell biology techniques (such as PCR, etc.) and laboratory skills. Candidate must have prior training and experience in histology and immunostaining; animal and tissue specimen handling and preparation; and animal surgery. We prefer candidates who have prior experience in morphometrics, vascular physiology, and pharmacology. Candidates must be able to work independently in a fast-paced, team-based environment with minimal supervision, and have excellent time management skills. Candidates need to be highly responsible and motivated, with outstanding hands-on, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. In addition to a background in the sciences, strong proofreading and editing skills, as well as computer proficiency (Microsoft Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word; FileMaker; GraphPad Prism; and statistical analysis programs such as STATA, SAS, or R) are required.

Please apply online with CV, Cover Letter, and list of at least three references at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/apply/JPF01342

UC San Francisco (or UCSF) 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.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity (Optional)

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

San Francisco, CA