Cyster Lab - Junior Specialist

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cyster lab at UCSF is seeking a Junior Specialist to conduct laboratory research in molecular biology, mouse handling and genotyping, bacterial and mammalian cell culture, and tissue preparation for flow cytometric analysis and microscopy. Under supervision, you will support a collaborative immunology team, help genotype mice, prepare lymphoid tissues, culture cells, and perform flow cytometry.

Independent projects may be available; strong organizational skills and attention to detail are

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field or at least four years of research experience.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Initiative in designing experiments and solving problems.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work harmoniously with others.
• Strong organizational skills including being able to follow a busy schedule.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask effectively.
• Excellent demonstrated record of accomplishment.
• Ability to adhere to all campus safety policies.
• Knowledge of and experience with basic mammalian molecular and cell biology processes and techniques.
• Able to work with mice.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology experiments and assist with mouse handling and genotyping.
• Maintain bacterial culture and mammalian cell culture.
• Prepare tissues from mice for flow cytometric analysis and for microscopy.
• Prepare and cut tissue sections.
• Assist with lab supplies ordering and organization.
• Independent research projects may be available.

Skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Experimental design

Communication

Organization

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Proven track record

Safety compliance

Mouse handling

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Application Window

Open date: February 10, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Apr 15, 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: Tuesday, Aug 10, 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

Cyster Lab - Junior Specialist Position

The Cyster lab at UCSF has a Junior Specialist opportunity. Under direct supervision and training, the Junior Specialist will be responsible for laboratory research duties. This position will be involved in experiments including molecular biology, mouse handling and genotyping, bacterial culture, mammalian cell culture, preparing tissues from mice for flow cytometric analysis, preparing and cutting tissue sections and performing microscopy, and performing other duties such as helping with lab supplies ordering and organization.

We are looking for a candidate excited about molecular and immunological approaches, who is eager to learn and comfortable with mechanistic thinking. The candidate will work with a team of scientists to help genotype mice, help prepare lymphoid cells and tissue for analysis, culture cells and perform flow cytometric analyses. General lab managerial tasks such as cataloging and ordering reagents are part of the position, and other duties as assigned. In addition, independent research projects may be available separate from the above described duties. The Cyster lab is a highly collaborative space that is pushing the cutting edge of immunology research.

Required Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree or equivalent degree or at least four years of research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in designing experiments and solving problems.
• Excellent communication skills and strong ability to work harmoniously and respectfully with others.
• Strong organizational skills including being able to follow a busy schedule.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask effectively.
• Excellent demonstrated record of accomplishment.
• Ability to adhere to all campus safety policies.
• Knowledge of and experience with basic mammalian molecular and cell biology processes and techniques.
• Able to work with mice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with mice (handling, genotyping, tissue collection).
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Experience with immunofluorescence microscopy.
• Experience with performing lab work with extreme accuracy and attention to detail.
• Training in immunology theory and techniques.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $58,600.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco

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

Job location

San Francisco, CA