Junior Specialist - Erlebacher lab

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, San Francisco seeks a Junior Specialist for the Erlebacher lab on the Parnassus Campus. The role involves hands-on molecular biology and immunology techniques to study pregnancy immunology and epigenetics, with opportunities to contribute to multiple projects and manage routine lab tasks.

Responsibilities include tissue staining, RNA work, cell culture, mouse colony handling, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or related field required.
• At least four years of research experience preferred.
• Familiarity with basic molecular biology, biochemical and microbiological techniques.
• Computer skills including Excel.

Responsibilities

• Perform immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining on tissue sections.
• Conduct RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and western blots; design primers.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Biochemical techniques

Microbiological techniques

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or related field

Tools

PCR

RT-PCR

Flow cytometry

Western blot

Job description

Application Window

Open date: September 15, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Mar 15, 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 Specialist - Erlebacher lab

The Junior Specialist will work in a basic/translational science laboratory on the UCSF Parnassus Campus that focuses on immunological and epigenetic features of pregnancy including why the fetus is not rejected by the maternal immune system, how labor induction is timed and controlled, and causes of pregnancy complications (adrianerlebacherlab.org). The work builds upon the lab's recent publications in Cell, Immunity and Nature. Under the supervision of the PI and lab members, s/he will work independently on multiple projects and perform a variety of techniques, including:

• 1) Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining of tissue sections, including photomicroscopy


• 2) Molecular biology techniques including RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, western blots, and PCR primer design using online programs


• 3) Cell culture, including cell transfections and treatments, and lentivirus preparation


• 4) Mouse colony maintenance, including tailing mice for genotyping, weaning of mouse litters, preparation of tail DNA and PCR analysis, and record keeping


• 5) Mouse pregnancy experiment, including drug administration and labor induction timing experiments


• 6) Isolation of cells from mouse tissues, and their analysis by a variety of techniques, including flow cytometry, single cell RNA-Seq, and CUT&RUN.


• 7) Lab managerial duties, including reagent and supply orders, maintenance of laboratory supplies, and interfacing with EH&S and IACUC.

The applicant must be able to perform detail-oriented tasks, manage multiple tasks at any one time, prioritize and perform experiments with minimal supervision, and have excellent organizational and communication skills.

Appointees in the Specialist series will be expected to engage in specialized research, professional activities and do not have teaching responsibilities. Specialists are expected to use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions, and may participate in University and Public Service.

Required Experience, Skills: Bachelor Degree (or equivalent degree) in science or related majors or at least four years of research experience, familiarity with basic molecular biological, biochemical, and microbiological techniques, and computer skills including the use of Excel. A bachelor's degree is preferred. Candidates must meet the qualifications by the time of appointment. Application materials must state qualifications or if pending upon submission.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period. Salary will be commensurate with the applicants experience and training.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$60,700.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).




• Cover Letter

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: Aff…

Job location

San Francisco, CA