Brooks Lab, Assistant Project Scientist, Biomolecular Engineering

AgUpdate; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz invites applications for an Assistant Project Scientist. Under the direction of Dr.

Angela Brooks, the position will engage in planning and execution of research using computational genetics to understand gene regulation and driver mutations in cancer. Responsibilities include analyzing RNA-seq and WGS data, developing software tools for sequence analysis, maintaining lab-derived genomic data, and contributing

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, biomolecular engineering, or closely related field; two years of computational research after degree.

Responsibilities

• Engage in planning and execution of research using computational genetics to understand gene regulation and driver mutations in cancer.
• Analyze short-read RNA-seq data (expression, splicing, gene fusions) and long-read RNA-seq data (expression, variant calling, isoform/splicing analysis, fusion detection).
• Develop new software tools for sequence analysis, especially for splicing and structural variant detection from RNA.

Education

Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in bioinformatics, biomolecular engineering, or a closely related field

Job description

Brooks Lab, Assistant Project Scientist, Biomolecular Engineering

Position overview

Position title: Brooks Lab, Assistant Project Scientist, Biomolecular Engineering

Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, *REPRESENTED PROJECT_(E.G., SCIENTIST) SERIES BUSINESS/ECONOMICS/ENGINEERING *. A salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position is $100,400-$121,700.

Percent time: Full-time (100%)

Anticipated start: As soon as possible after the initial review of applications

Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: August 14, 2026

Most recent review date: Monday, Sep 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Friday, Aug 13, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for an Assistant Project Scientist. Under the direction of Dr. Angela Brooks, the Assistant Project Scientist will engage in the planning and execution of research that uses computational genetics approaches to understand gene regulation and driver mutations in cancer.

Research activities include, but are not limited to, analyzing short-read RNA-seq data (expression, splicing, gene fusions), analyzing long-read RNA-seq data (expression, variant calling, isoform/splicing analysis, fusion detection), analyzing short-read WGS data for cancer variants, analyzing chromatin accessibility from Fiber-seq data, and developing new software tools for sequence analysis, especially pertaining to splicing and structural variant detection from RNA.

Other responsibilities will include independent algorithm development for long-read sequencing methods, maintaining and updating existing computational tools and working extensively with Git, contributing to the training of students at both the graduate and undergraduate level, and management of lab-produced genomic data. This position will require the incumbent to exercise good time management and problem-solving skills, perform and document research in an organized, methodical, and analytical manner, contribute to writing and data analysis for grants and publications, and work both independently and with a team.

Applicants with demonstrated experience in long-read DNA sequencing, long-read RNA-seq transcript assembly methods, software development for long-read sequencing, modification detection from long-read sequencing methods, and/or research experience in epigenomics and cancer biology are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants with demonstrated excellence in academic research as evidenced by peer-reviewed first or co-first author publications are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Biomolecular Engineering Department

https://engineering.ucsc.edu/departments/biomolecular-engineering/

Brooks Lab

https://brookslab.ucsc.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in bioinformatics, biomolecular engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least two years of computational research experience after obtaining the degree.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation*. Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.

*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC's confidentiality statement.

About UC Santa Cruz

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: Affimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at [e-mail] or [phone].

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment‑based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco‑free campus.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

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.

Job location

Santa Cruz, CA