Junior or Assistant Specialist in Structural Biology*

University of California San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Job summary

University of California, San Francisco is seeking a Junior or Assistant Specialist in Structural Biology to join the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases at UCSF's Mission Bay campus. The role focuses on deciphering molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases and preparing samples for TEM and fluorescence microscopy to support structure-based drug discovery.

Qualified candidates will have BA/BS in Biochemistry or related field (or 4+ years research experience); Masters degree with 3+

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Biochemistry or related Biological Science field or at least four years of research experience.
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) or BA/BS degree with three or more years of research experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of protein biochemistry and laboratory safety protocols.
• Computer literacy on Macintosh and PC; MS-Office and basic statistics software.

Responsibilities

• Isolate disease-relevant filaments from patient tissue and other systems of interest.
• Prepare samples for TEM and fluorescence microscopy to assist structural characterization.
• Support drug discovery and other IND research efforts.
• Collaborate with team members across disciplines at the IND and UCSF.

Skills

Biochemistry

Cell biology

Microscopy

Communication skills

Statistical analysis software

MS-Office

Education

BA/BS in Biochemistry or related Biological Science

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biochemistry or related field

Three+ years of research experience (for Assistant Specialist)

Four+ years of research experience (for Junior Specialist)

Tools

Macintosh and PC compatibility

Basic statistical analysis software

Job description

Junior or Assistant Specialist in Structural Biology

The Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking an outstanding and motivated individual to join our cutting- edge research institute aimed at discovering new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The successful incumbent will work as a structural biology junior specialist focused on deciphering the molecular basis for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). This will involve isolating disease-relevant filaments from patient tissue and other systems of interest. They will also prepare samples for TEM and fluorescence microscopy to assist in structural characterization of protein ultrastructures.

The IND cryo-EM facility is state of the art and includes a Titan Krios G4, Glacios, L120C TEM instruments, and a Helios Hydra plasma FIB-SEM. The IND is directed by Nobel Laureate Dr. Stanley Prusiner and located at the Sandler Neurosciences Center at UCSF’s Mission Bay campus, a world-renowned hub of biomedical research and discovery.

The successful applicant will have experience in biochemical, cell biological, and microscopy laboratory techniques. They will be responsible for applying these methods and skills to support drug discovery and other research efforts at the IND. The incumbent will be a skilled communicator and collaborate with team members across disciplines at the IND and UCSF to advance structural biology research efforts to understand the structural basis of neurodegenerative disease-relevant protein macromolecules.

Personal Qualifications

Required:

• Possess a high sense of responsibility for his or her own career development, as well as for the wellbeing of our organization.
• Willingness to receive training and guidance from senior investigators.

Education and Training Qualifications:

Required:

• Junior Specialist: BA/BS in Biochemistry, or a related Biological Science field or at least four years of research experience.
• Assistant Specialist - A master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or a BA/BS degree in Biochemistry, or a related Biological Science field with three or more years of research experience.
• Knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge or experience in a research laboratory, biochemistry, cell culture and maintaining biological safety protocols.
• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures in protein biochemistry.
• Computer literacy on both Macintosh and PC, MS-Office suite and basic statistical analysis software.

Technical Qualifications

Required:

• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, with experience in protein purification, biochemistry, cell biology, microscopy, or other related techniques.

Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment. Application materials must state qualifications or if pending upon submission.

Preferred:

• Experience in sample preparation for or performance of transmission electron microscopy
• Experience in confocal or cryo-confocal fluorescence microscopy
• Experience in cell sorting
• Experience in mammalian cell culture

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits. Salary is dependent upon experience.

*Rank will be commensurate with background, experience, and work history.

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

• Junior Specialist: BA/BS in Biochemistry, or a related Biological Science field or at least four years of research experience.
• Assistant Specialist: A master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or a BA/BS degree in Biochemistry, or a related Biological Science field with three or more years of research experience.
• Application materials must state qualifications or if pending upon submission.