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 (IND) invites applications for a Junior or Assistant Specialist in Structural Biology. The role centers on deciphering molecular bases of neurodegenerative diseases and involves isolating disease-relevant filaments, preparing samples for TEM and fluorescence microscopy, and supporting drug discovery efforts at UCSF's IND.

The successful applicant will have 2+ years in a lab, with protein purification, biochemistry and microscopy experience, and strong

Qualifications

• Experience in biochemical, cell biological and microscopy laboratory techniques.
• Two or more years in a laboratory setting with protein biochemistry, biochemistry or related methods.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines at UCSF.

Responsibilities

• Apply biochemical, cell biology and microscopy methods to support drug discovery and research.
• Isolate and prepare samples for TEM and fluorescence microscopy to aid structural characterization.
• Collaborate with IND and UCSF teams to advance structural biology studies.

Skills

Biochemistry

Cell biology

Microscopy

Laboratory techniques

Education

BA/BS in Biochemistry or related Biological Science field

Master's degree or BA/BS with 3+ years research experience

Job description

Application Window

Open date: August 6, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Aug 21, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until Sunday, Feb 6, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time), but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

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 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

Compensation and Benefits

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.

Application 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)

• 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.

• "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: Affimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

San Francisco, CA