Gong Lab - Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist

University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 194,800; Full time

Job summary

Gong Lab at UCSF in San Francisco, CA seeks a Junior to Full Specialist to contribute to projects on ER-PM contact regulation and live-cell imaging reporters. The role involves molecular cloning, tissue culture, CRISPR, imaging, flow cytometry, and data analysis, with opportunities to design experiments and lead projects.

The candidate will support core research efforts, manage day-to-day lab operations, and collaborate with a team.

Qualifications

• Must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or at least four years of research experience for Junior rank.
• Must have a master’s degree (or equivalent) or a bachelor’s degree with three or more years of research experience for Assistant rank.
• Must have a master’s degree (or equivalent) or five to ten years of research experience for Associate rank.
• Must have a terminal degree (or equivalent) or ten or more years of research experience for Full rank.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular and cell biological techniques including cloning, tissue culture, and gene editing.
• Perform automated live-cell imaging, flow cytometry, and quantitative analyses.
• Design experiments, lead independent projects, present at lab meetings, and assist with funds procurement.
• Assist with day-to-day lab operations and general lab duties, fostering a positive lab culture.

Skills

Molecular cloning

Tissue culture

CRISPR gene editing

Live-cell imaging

Flow cytometry

Quantitative analysis

Independent project design

Education

Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of research experience

Master's degree or Bachelor's with 3+ years of research experience

Master's degree or 5–10 years of research experience for Associate

Terminal degree or 10+ years of research experience for Full

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Position Description

Gong Lab – Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist. The Gong Lab (www.gonglabucsf.com) is seeking a Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist to join our group and contribute to new and ongoing projects. Our lab focuses on the discovery of novel molecules that govern cell decisions in neurobiology, immunology and development. In particular, we are interested in identifying proteins and lipids that regulate ER‑PM contacts formation. We are also interested in developing innovative reporters for live‑cell imaging to visualize the cell decision at the single‑cell level.

The candidate will be expected to contribute to the core research efforts in the lab by conducting molecular and cell biological techniques, including molecular cloning, tissue culture, CRISPR‑mediated gene editing, automated live‑cell imaging, flow cytometry, and quantitative analysis. An exceptional candidate will design their own experiments, lead their own independent project, develop new ideas, be familiar with the literature, present at lab meetings, and participate in procurement of funds where appropriate. Additionally, the specialist will be expected to assist with managing day‑to‑day lab operations, perform general lab duties, and be a positive lab citizen.

Required Qualifications

• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) or at least four years of research experience to be appointed at the Junior rank.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent) or a baccalaureate degree with three or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Assistant rank.
• Must have (or be in the process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent) or five to ten years of research experience to be appointed at the Associate rank.
• Must have (or be in the process of obtaining) a terminal degree (or equivalent) or ten or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Full rank.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the design and assembly of DNA constructs.
• Prior experience in mammalian cell culture and genome manipulation (e.g. gene knockouts) and MATLAB‑based analysis.

Salary range: $55,000–$194,800 (per year).

We are seeking at least a 1‑year commitment. Depending on performance and workload, opportunities for independent research, mentorship of other trainees, and scientific writing will be available.

This position offers close mentorship in a supportive and friendly environment, as well as guidance and support in achieving long‑term career goals (including training in oral and written communication, flexible scheduling to accommodate preparation for graduate/medical school examinations and interviews, and opportunities for networking with other scientists).

Location: San Francisco, CA.

Equal Opportunity 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 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 its 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