Junior or Assistant Specialist in Structural Biology*

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco (CA)

On-site

USD 57,000 - 73,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) at UCSF is seeking an outstanding and motivated Junior Specialist to contribute to drug discovery and structural biology studies of neurodegenerative disease proteins. You will work on isolating disease-relevant filaments, preparing samples for TEM and fluorescence microscopy, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams at UCSF.

Ideal candidates have a BA/BS in Biochemistry or related biological science with several years of research

Qualifications

BA/BS in Biochemistry or related Biological Science or at least four years of research experience.
Master’s degree in Biochemistry or related Biological Science with three or more years of research experience.
Knowledge of basic techniques or methods required by the position.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of a research laboratory, biochemistry, cell culture and biosafety protocols.
Knowledge of protein biochemistry concepts and procedures.

Responsibilities

Support drug discovery and other IND research efforts using biochemical, cell biological and microscopy methods.
Collaborate with team members across disciplines to advance structural biology research on disease-relevant proteins.
Prepare samples for TEM and fluorescence microscopy to characterize protein ultrastructures.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Biochemistry knowledge

Macintosh and PC literacy

Microscopy sample preparation

Education

BA/BS in Biochemistry or related Biological Science

Master’s degree in Biochemistry or related Biological Science

4+ years of research experience

3+ years of research experience (Assistant Specialist track)

Tools

MS-Office

Statistical analysis software

Cryo-EM sample preparation

Job description

Position Description

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.

Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits. Salary is dependent upon experience. See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000–$73,200.

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)

Reference Requirements

3 required (contact information only)

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.