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Research Specialist- Nachury Laboratory

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Position description

The Nachury Laboratory (http://nachurylab.weebly.com) in the Department of Ophthalmology at UCSF studies the primary cilium, an organelle with central roles in developmental signaling pathways and sensory signaling. We seek a Junior or Assistant Research Specialist to work as part of a team exploring the biology of cilia using a combination of biochemistry, biophysics and live microscopy.

The Research Specialist will conduct experiments under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator. The goals of the projects are to characterize protein complexes involved in ciliary trafficking at the biochemical and cellular levels. The position will involve culture of mammalian cells, biochemical purification of protein complexes from mammalian cells and tissues, purification of recombinant proteins from bacteria and insect cells, characterization of enzymatic activities, processing of cells for immunocytochemistry and fluorescence microscopy imaging of live and fixed cells. The Research Specialist will pursue innovative research projects in collaboration with other lab members; and communicate and discuss the research with other lab members. The individual will also have the opportunity to develop independence, acquire advanced technical and analytical skills and carry out his/her own research projects under supervision. In these roles, the Research Specialist is expected to assist in preparing figures for publications and grants and will gain authorship on publications.

The Research Specialist will play an important role in maintaining lab infrastructure. The position entails lab management support such as ordering supplies, coordinating purchases and maintenance of lab equipment, managing chemical inventory, maintain lab stocks of DNA, cell lines and adhering to safety regulations. The Research Specialist must gain an understanding of University policies and procedures as well as practices concerning laboratory safety, purchasing, and record retention.

Required qualifications:
• Specialists appointed at the junior level must possess a four-year college degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related biological science degree.
• Specialists appointed at the assistant level must possess at minimum a master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related biological science degree or at least 5 years of related experience.
• General understanding of biochemistry and cell biology.
• At least 1 year of laboratory experience.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques and methods including primer design, PCR, construct validation.
• Familiarity with basic protein techniques: SDS-PAGE, western blot.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot experiments with minimal guidance.
• Must be efficient and organized with meticulous record keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively, while managing and prioritizing multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent judgment, strong motivation and the ability to work well as a team or independently are essential
• We are seeking at least a 2 year commitment.

Desired qualifications:
• Basic familiarity with protein biochemistry: SDS-PAGE, western blot, protein purification.
• At least 2 years of laboratory experience.
• Experience with biochemistry: protein expression in bacteria, purification of recombinant proteins (GST, His tag), FPLC, protein pulldown assays.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry and microscopy.
• Productive research experience leading to poster or oral presentation, and/or publication.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period. Salary and rank will be commensurate with the applicants experience and training. Please apply online at: https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/apply/JPF01604.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service that 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 (Optional)

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity (Optional)

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Job location

San Francisco, CA