Martens Lab – Junior or Assistant Specialist

University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,700; Full time

Job summary

University of California, San Francisco seeks a Junior or Assistant Specialist to support ongoing research in mammalian tissue biology and disease mechanisms in the Martens Lab. You will assist with experimental workflows in animal and cell systems, support molecular and cellular biology techniques, and help with tissue processing and sample preparation.

The role includes maintaining lab operations, ordering reagents, inventory, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological or related field or 4+ years of research experience.
• Master’s degree or equivalent or Bachelor’s with 3+ years of research experience for Assistant rank.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Responsibilities

• Support ongoing research in mammalian tissue biology and disease mechanisms.
• Assist with experimental workflows in animal and cell-based systems.
• Support molecular and cellular biology techniques under supervision.
• Participate in tissue processing and sample preparation.
• Maintain day-to-day laboratory operations: ordering reagents, inventory, and documentation.
• With experience, contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and presentation of results.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Follow protocols

Record keeping

Independence

Collaboration

Long-term research training

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological or related field

Master's degree or 3+ years research experience for Assistant rank

Job description

Martens Lab – Junior or Assistant Specialist

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
UC San Francisco

The Junior or Assistant Specialist will support ongoing research in mammalian tissue biology and disease mechanisms within the Martens Lab at UCSF. Responsibilities include assisting with experimental workflows in animal and cell-based systems, supporting molecular and cellular biology techniques under supervision, and participating in tissue processing and sample preparation. The position also involves maintaining day-to-day laboratory operations, including ordering reagents, managing inventory, and maintaining accurate laboratory documentation and records. With experience and demonstrated initiative, the role may expand to include increased involvement in experimental design, data analysis, and preparation of research results for presentation or publication.

Required Qualifications

• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in a biological or related scientific discipline, or at least four years of relevant research experience to be appointed at the Junior rank.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent) or a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) with three or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Assistant rank.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established research protocols and maintain accurate records.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Interest in long‑term research training prior to graduate or PhD studies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a laboratory research setting.
• Familiarity with basic molecular or cell biology techniques.
• Experience with tissue processing, cell culture, or animal research (preferred but not required).
• Strong motivation to pursue advanced training or graduate education in biomedical research.

Salary range: $55,000 - $70,700 (See Table 24B for detailed spectrum).

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

San Francisco, CA