Junior, Assistant, Associate, and Full Specialist - Chen lab

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

Job summary

The Chen lab at University of California - San Francisco is seeking Junior, Assistant, Associate, and Full Specialist to join an interdisciplinary team at the Weill Institute for Neurosciences on the Mission Bay campus.

Responsibilities include stereotaxic procedures, electrophysiology, animal husbandry, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, and manuscript preparation; there are mentorship and lab-management opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological/materials/electrical engineering, neuroscience, molecular biology or related fields or 4+ years research experience.
• Master's degree with 3+ years research experience, or Bachelor's with 3+ years in related fields.
• Master's degree with 5–10 years experience for Associate Specialist.
• Terminal degree or 10+ years experience for Full Specialist.
• Excellent organizational and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform stereotaxic procedures and electrophysiology recording.
• Animal husbandry and care of laboratory animals.
• Molecular biology techniques (cloning, vector construction) and immunohistochemistry.
• Lab management duties including equipment maintenance and safety compliance; contribute to publications.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Application Window

Open date: March 5, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Sunday, Sep 5, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position Description

Junior, Assistant, Associate, and Full Specialist - Chen lab

The Chen lab is seeking several Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist to join our interdisciplinary team at the Weill Institute for Neurosciences on the Mission Bay campus. Our research focus is on developing cutting-edge technologies to study brain-body physiology and to design new therapies for circuit disorders.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals interested in engineering of biomolecules, cells, and devices within the nervous system or understanding the neurobiology of interoception. The researcher will be involved in experiments to record and stimulate specific neurons in vitro and in vivo. Experimental responsibilities may include performing stereotaxic procedures, electrophysiology recording, animal husbandry, molecular biology (e.g., cloning, making vectors), immunohistochemistry, and other duties. The researcher is expected to contribute substantially to the preparation of papers for publication, and will have the opportunity to present ongoing work to colleagues and/or academic conferences. The specialist will also be involved with lab management duties, including overseeing supply and equipment maintenance and work with health and safety departments to ensure the lab complies with regulations and all required trainings. We are committed to your success and provide opportunities for close mentorship and guidance in research and career training.

Required Qualifications

• Junior Specialist - Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in Biological/materials/electrical engineering, neuroscience, molecular biology or related disciplines or at least four years of research experience, by the time of hire.
• Assistant Specialist - Master\'s degree in Biological/materials/electrical engineering, neuroscience, molecular biology or related disciplines or a baccalaureate degree in Biological/materials/electrical engineering, neuroscience, molecular biology or related disciplines with 3 or more years of research experience, by the time of hire.
• Associate Specialist - Master\'s degree (or equivalent degree) in Biological/materials/electrical engineering, neuroscience, molecular biology or related disciplines or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization, by the time of hire.
• Full Specialist - terminal degree (or equivalent degree) in Biological/materials/electrical engineering, neuroscience, molecular biology or related disciplines or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization, by the time of hire.
• Possess excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to adapt and acquire new techniques and skills to align with shifting research priorities.
• Work both independently and collaboratively as a part of a research team.
• Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $194,800.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 2-3 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.

Job location

San Francisco, CA