Junior Specialist – Steinhart lab

University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 58,600; Full time

Job summary

The Steinhart Lab at UCSF in San Francisco is seeking a Junior Specialist to assist with immuno-oncology projects, CRISPR and single-cell techniques on primary human tumor tissue.

You will perform tissue processing, culture, cloning, genomic sample prep, and data analysis, and assist with study design and interpretation. A Bachelor's degree or four years of bench experience is required.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree or 4+ years of research experience.
• Minimum one year of bench laboratory experience.
• Ability to follow written protocols and maintain detailed records.
• Proficiency in basic lab techniques including pipetting and buffer prep.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to lab safety and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments under supervision of senior staff.
• Carry out tissue culture, processing, molecular biology (cloning and sequencing sample prep), and flow cytometry.
• Calculate dilutions, cell counts, and set up experiments.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data to lab members.
• Discuss results and help design follow-up experiments.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and lab supplies.
• Maintain lab organization and records.

Skills

Pipetting

Documentation

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Communication

Independence

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 4+ yrs research

Tools

CRISPR engineering

Molecular cloning

Flow cytometry

Tissue processing

Genomics sample prep

Sequencing data analysis

Job description

Junior Specialist – Steinhart lab

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking a Junior Specialist.

Position Description

The Steinhart Lab in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is recruiting a Junior Specialist to assist with immuno-oncology projects. The Steinhart Lab recently launched at the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC) at UCSF Mission Bay in February 2026. We aim to study the genetics underlying tumor-immune interactions and apply this understanding to discover and develop novel immunotherapies for Head and Neck Cancer and other cancers. To do so, we will be working with surgeons to study primary human tumor tissue and apply cutting‑edge CRISPR and single‑cell techniques to interrogate gene function in primary cells. More information is available on our lab website at https://www.steinhartlab.com.

We are recruiting a Junior Specialist to assist with projects across the lab. The Specialist will work with lab members to conduct tissue processing and culturing, molecular cloning, sample preparation for genomic analyses, and perform immunology and biochemistry/cell biology experiments. Additionally, the Junior Specialist will assist the lab members in study design, analyzing and interpreting data, and revising plans for future experiments.

Position Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments under the guidance of senior laboratory members.
• Execute defined workflows (after training), including tissue culture, tissue processing, molecular biology (cloning and sequencing sample preparation), and flow cytometry.
• Perform basic calculations for dilutions, cell counts, and experimental setup.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data to other lab members.
• Discuss results with supervisor and senior lab members and participate in the design of subsequent experiments.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, aliquots, etc.
• Assist with general lab organization.
• Maintain clear laboratory records and organization.

Required Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a related field, or at least four years of research experience.
• Minimum one year of laboratory research experience with hands‑on bench work.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols, maintain careful documentation, and perform experiments with attention to detail and reproducibility.
• Proficiency in basic laboratory techniques including accurate pipetting, solution/buffer preparation, dilutions, and calculations.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong commitment to laboratory safety and quality control.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in oncology and/or immunology.
• CRISPR engineering and screening.
• Molecular cloning.
• Tissue processing.
• Flow cytometry.
• Sample preparation for genomics experiments (e.g., sequencing).
• Computational analysis of genomics datasets.

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

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05960.

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g., board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
• Cover Letter – One page cover letter describing research experience, interests, and goals.
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 3 required references (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.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

San Francisco, CA