Junior/Assistant Specialist in the Sampognaro Lab

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health in San Francisco invites applications for a Junior/Assistant Specialist in the Sampognaro Lab. The role supports ongoing neurodegeneration research, including iPSC-derived neurons, lysosomal proteases, and autophagy-lysosome studies.

The position focuses on data generation, cell culture, Western blotting, and confocal imaging, with an emphasis on rigorous record-keeping and collaborative work in a leading university research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related science or 4+ years of research experience.
• Master's degree with 3+ years of research experience (Assistant Specialist).
• Knowledge of basic lab techniques; or equivalent education/experience.
• Familiarity with lab equipment such as balances and pH meters.
• Candidates must meet qualifications at appointment time.
• CV/cover letter must list qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform Western blotting, cell culture, and immunocytochemistry.
• Quantify and analyze microscopic imaging data.
• Prepare data and maintain accurate lab records.
• Keep organized lab notebooks and manage lab databases.
• Assist with lab ordering and organization.

Skills

Western blotting

Cell culture

Microscopy analysis

Data analysis

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's degree in related science

Master's degree in related science

Tools

Balances

pH meters

Western blot equipment

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Application Window

Open date: October 16, 2026

Next review date: Saturday, Oct 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Sunday, Apr 16, 2028 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

Junior/Assistant Specialist in the Sampognaro Lab

The UCSF Department of Neurology is a leader in neurological research and care, encompassing diverse divisions dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders. Among these, the Neuromuscular Division stands out for its commitment to groundbreaking research. Its core mission is to drive fundamental advances in neuromuscular disease through rigorous scientific investigation. This involves elucidating disease mechanisms, developing innovative diagnostic tools, and pioneering novel therapeutic strategies, all contributing significantly to the global pursuit of cures. Beyond the Neuromuscular Division's focused research, the Department of Neurology fosters a collaborative environment that promotes cutting-edge scientific inquiry, education, and patient care. We are dedicated to translating research discoveries into tangible improvements for individuals affected by neurological conditions, striving to make a significant impact on the field.

Job Summary

The role of Research Specialist position is to assist with ongoing research projects within the Sampognaro Laboratory at UCSF. The goal of our research projects is to study the role of the lysosomal proteases and, more broadly, the role of the autophagy-lysosome system in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, specifically as it related ALS, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. To this end, the Research Specialist position exists to assist in the generation of data for these projects, including those involving cell culture of iPSCs and iPSC-derived neurons, biochemical techniques including Western blot/Silver stain, and confocal microscopy.

Key Responsibilities

• Basic lab procedures that include Western blotting, cell culture, and some immunocytochemistry
• Microscopic imaging quantification and analysis
• Data preparation
• Maintain organized and accurate records/lab notebooks and use computerized databases
• Administrative/assist with lab ordering and lab organization

Required Qualifications

• Junior Specialist - A bachelor's degree in related science, or related field, or at least four years of research experience.
• Assistant Specialist -Master's degree in related science or bachelor's degree with three or more years of research experience.
• Knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of lab equipment, including balances, pH meters, etc.
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment.
• Candidate's CV or cover letter must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Western blotting, including blot imaging and quantification
• Experience in cell culture techniques
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy
• Knowledge of quantitative microscopy and imaging analysis
• Statistical analysis experience, coding experiencing is a plus

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$73,200.

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

Reference Requirements

• 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 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: Affitative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

San Francisco, CA