Junior or Assistant Specialist- Liu Lab

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

Job summary

The Department of Physiology at the University of California, San Francisco, is recruiting a Junior or Assistant Specialist for the Liu Lab. The role involves performing experiments, maintaining lab inventories, and helping develop protocols and SOPs under the guidance of the PI.

An exceptional candidate will have opportunities to lead a research project later in their tenure, with strong emphasis on collaboration and independent work within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or four years of research experience required for Junior Specialist.
• Master's degree or Bachelor's with three+ years of research experience for Assistant Specialist.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new methods and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments in the Liu Lab under the PI's guidance, including mammalian cell culture, biochemistry, sequencing, and genetic modification.
• Assist in managing lab inventory of cell lines, recombinant DNAs, chemicals, and other reagents.
• Assist in the development of protocols and SOPs.
• Assist in preparation of manuscripts, presentations and grant applications.
• Assist in handling lab emergencies; participate in lab meetings.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Task prioritization

Deadline management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Application Window

Open date: November 4, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Nov 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, May 4, 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 or Assistant Specialist- Liu Lab

Department of Physiology

University of California, San Francisco

The Department of Physiology is now recruiting a Junior or Assistant Specialist. The position duties will include:

• Design and perform experiments related to research projects in the lab under the guidance of the PI, including mammalian cell culture, biochemistry, sequencing, generation of genetically modified cell lines with CRISPR, genetic screens, etc;
• Assist in the managing of lab inventory of cell lines, recombinant DNAs, chemicals and other reagents;
• Assist in the development of protocols and SOPs;
• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts, presentations and grant applications;
• Assist in handling lab emergencies;
• Participate or present in lab meeting.

An exceptional candidate will have the opportunity to lead a research project later in their employment.

Required Qualifications:

• Junior Specialist - Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience.
• Assistant Specialist- A Master's degree (or equivalent degree) or a bachelor's degree with three or more years of research experience.
• 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 a member of a research team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.

The following experience is strongly preferred:

• Mammalian cell culture
• Basic molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (cloning, immunoblotting, etc);
• Elementary knowledge/experience of sequencing, gene editing and CRISPR screen
• A 2-year commitment is preferred.

The following experience is welcomed:

• Animal handling
• Computational biology and data processing
• Confocal imaging and image analysis
• Training in math, physics, engineering, computer science and other quantitative disciplines.

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.).

Reference requirements

• 2 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: Affirmitive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

San Francisco, CA