Junior Specialist - Aghi Lab

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - San Francisco invites applications for a Junior Specialist in the Aghi Lab to study how brain tumors interact with their environment to promote growth and resistance to therapy. You will culture cells, extract RNA/DNA, clone constructs, and perform IHC/IF on tissues and cells.

The role includes mouse models, CRISPR work, tissue analysis, and basic lab administration. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and relevant wet lab experience.

Qualifications

• Specialists must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or at least four years of research experience.
• Degree requirement for the Specialist rank must be met by time of hire.
• Experience with basic wet lab research (cell culture, pipetting, tissue sectioning, immunostaining, qPCR, mouse tumor implantation, western blot).
• Ability to learn advanced wet lab techniques (CRISPR, immunoprecipitation, purification of his-tagged proteins).
• Ability to independently plan experiments from start to finish to address topics and contribute to manuscripts.
• Ability to handle lab administration and orient new lab members.

Responsibilities

• Culture tumor cells and extract RNA/DNA from brain tumor tissue.
• Clone retroviral constructs and purify retroviruses from infected cells.
• Perform immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence on tumor tissue and cultured cells.
• Use flow cytometry to count cell types and isolate stem cells from brain tumors.
• Implement CRISPR techniques and manage intracranial/subcutaneous tumor implantations in mice; monitor and euthanize per protocol.
• Assist with lab administration and ensure protocol compliance; orient new staff.

Skills

Wet lab experience

Plan experiments independently

CRISPR techniques

RNA/DNA extraction

Flow cytometry

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Immunohistochemistry

Immunofluorescence

Western blotting

Job description

Application Window

Open date: January 6, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Jul 6, 2027 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 Specialist - Aghi Lab

The Aghi Lab is seeking Junior Specialists who will participate in basic science research to study mechanisms by which brain tumors interact with their microenvironment to promote growth, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. Drug(s) to disrupt these processes will be evaluated in collaboration with industry partners in cell culture and in mouse models. Job duties will include culturing tumor cells; extraction of RNA and DNA from brain tumor tissue; cloning retroviral constructs and isolating and purifying retroviruses from infected cells; immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence of tumor tissue and cultured primary tumor cells; isolation of cells from brain tumors and flow cytometry of the cells to count numbers of various cell types; isolation of stem cells from brain tumors; CRISPR techniques; and intracranial and subcutaneous implantation of tumor cells into mice, followed by treatment and monitoring of these animals and euthanasia when appropriate. The candidates will also handle lab administration - order entry, making sure protocols are in compliance, and orienting new lab members. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Specialists appointed at the junior rank must possess (or in process of obtaining) a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or must have at least four years of research experience.
• Applicants must have obtained the degree requirement for the Specialist rank by the time of hire.
• Experience with basic wet lab research (cell culture, pipetting, sectioning tissue, immunostaining, qPCR, mouse tumor implantation, western blotting).
• Ability to learn more advanced wet lab techniques (CRISPR, immunoprecipitation, purification of histidine-tagged proteins).
• Ability to independently plan experiments from start to finish to address a specific topic, ultimately leading the person filling this position to write portions of manuscripts.
• Ability to handle lab administration, including order entry, making sure protocols are in compliance, and orienting new lab members.
• Applicant's materials must list qualifications upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Independent specialized research.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $58,600.

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 (Optional)

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

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 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: Aff. Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

San Francisco, CA