Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist- Basbaum Lab

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 53,100 - 188,200; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution is seeking a Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist to contribute to pioneering research in pain mechanisms and anesthetic effects. Responsibilities include pharmacological evaluations, brain imaging studies, and managing daily lab operations. Ideal candidates will possess a range of educational backgrounds and excellent communication skills. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic research setting focused on significant health challenges.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree or equivalent or four years of research experience.
• Master’s degree or a baccalaureate degree with 3+ years of research experience.
• Master’s degree or five to ten years in relevant specialization.
• Terminal degree or ten years of experience in the relevant specialization.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pharmacological evaluations of pain-relieving compounds.
• Perform brain imaging studies during anesthetic administration.
• Manage day-to-day lab operations.
• Conduct surgical implantation for monitoring.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Ability to learn new methods

Team collaboration

Task prioritization

Education

Baccalaureate degree or equivalent

Master's degree

Terminal degree or equivalent

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Basbaum Lab – Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist

Department: Anatomy

Application Period

Open date: April 23, 2025

Most recent review date: Monday, Dec 15, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications after this date will be considered only if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Friday, Oct 23, 2026 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 Basbaum lab is seeking a Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist to join our group and contribute to new and ongoing projects. Our lab has two major focuses: (1) mechanisms that underlie the generation of acute and persistent pain, and (2) how general anesthetics act on the brain to alter consciousness and the perception of pain.

Key responsibilities include pharmacological evaluation in the mouse of pain‑relieving effects of novel compounds in acute and chronic pain models; brain imaging of large populations of neurons in the mouse brain during administration of general anesthetics and other compounds; surgical implantation of a lens for head‑mounted camera monitoring; managing day‑to‑day lab operations; and performing general lab duties.

Salary range: $53,100–$188,200 (see Table 24B for details).

Required Qualifications

• Junior Specialist – Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) or at least four years of research experience
• Assistant Specialist – Master’s degree or a baccalaureate degree with 3+ years of research experience
• Associate Specialist – Master’s degree (or equivalent) or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization
• Full Specialist – Terminal degree (or equivalent) or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization
• 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 part of a research team
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work with others, and meet multiple deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with behavioral testing of rodents
• Prior experience with stereotaxic surgical procedures in rodents
• Basic coding knowledge within MATLAB or Python

Application Requirements

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05544 with a CV and two references.

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – must clearly list current or pending qualifications (e.g., board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.)
• Miscellaneous / Additional (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• Two required references (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and collective bargaining agreements, as 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.

Job Location

San Francisco, CA