Junior Specialist- Perera Lab

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Francisco's Perera Lab is seeking a Junior Research Specialist to join a dynamic team studying pancreatic cancer cell metabolism and organelle function. You will apply biochemistry, microscopy, cloning and molecular biology, proteomics, RNA-sequencing and cellular assays in human and mouse models and patient samples.

Exceptional candidates will have the opportunity to lead an independent project and help manage daily lab operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant science field at time of appointment.
• Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new methods and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage tasks and meet multiple deadlines.
• CV must list current and/or pending qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell biology experiments using biochemistry, microscopy and molecular biology techniques.
• Contribute to proteomics, RNA-sequencing and transcriptional profiling in human/mouse systems.
• Support day-to-day lab operations and act as a positive lab citizen.
• Potential to lead an independent project and develop new ideas.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology or related

Tools

Mammalian cell culture

Microscopy

Immunostaining

Immunofluorescence

Molecular biology

Mouse models

Job description

Application Window

Open date: October 5, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Apr 5, 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- Perera Lab

The Perera Lab at UC San Francisco studies mechanisms via which pancreatic cancer cells reprogram their metabolism and organelle activity, particularly autophagy and lysosome function, in order to grow.

We seek a Junior Research Specialist to work as part of a dynamic team exploring the cell biology of cancer cells using a combination of techniques including biochemistry, microscopy, cloning and molecular biology, proteomics, RNA-sequencing, cellular and molecular assays and transcriptional profiling in human and mouse cell lines, human primary patient samples and mouse models of pancreatic cancer. The goal is to determine how alterations in core metabolic programs enable cancer cells to adapt to cellular stress.

Exceptional candidates will have the opportunity to lead their own independent project, develop new ideas and be familiar with the literature. The specialist will be expected to help with managing day-to-day lab operations, and perform general lab duties and be a positive lab citizen.

Required Qualifications:

• Appointees at the Junior rank must possess a bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology or a related discipline.
• 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
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment.
• Candidate's CV must state qualifications or if pending upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have at least 1-2 years of lab experience (beyond coursework) and familiarity with one or more of the following: mammalian cell culture, microscopy, immunostaining, immunofluorescence, molecular biology, use of mouse models. A one-year time commitment is required, with possibility of extension to a second year. Candidates with prior research experience in academia or industry, and candidates interested in gaining more experience prior to applying to graduate school are especially encouraged to apply. See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$60,700.

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
• Statement of Research

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: Assertive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

San Francisco, CA