Padmanabhan Lab – Junior Specialist

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

Job summary

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is recruiting a Junior Specialist to support gene regulatory and epigenetic studies of cardiac development and disease. The role emphasizes hands-on training in mouse genetics, stem cell biology, molecular biology, and chromatin techniques in an academic setting.

The position involves culture of mES/hiPS cells, differentiation to cardiomyocytes, genotyping, qPCR, histology, and basic chromatin assays, under supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a biological science field.
• At least one year hands-on experience in an academic or industry research lab.

Responsibilities

• Culture, modify, and maintain mES and hiPS cells; perform CRISPR/Cas9 editing.
• Differentiate hiPS and mES into atrial/ventricular cardiomyocytes; optimize differentiation.
• Genotype engineered mouse alleles and modified cell lines; validate strategies.
• Quantify gene expression via qPCR; RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, primer optimization.
• Plan timed matings and dissect embryos at defined stages.
• Prepare tissues for histology, IHC, IF, and image acquisition.
• Perform molecular biology techniques including cloning, plasmid prep, PCR, Western blot, IP, and ChIP.
• Support viral vector prep/use for in vitro and in vivo manipulation.
• Maintain mouse colony: breeding, genotyping, health monitoring, records.

Skills

Stem cell culture

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Genotyping

qPCR

CRISPR/Cas9

Histology

ChIP

Western blotting

Data analysis

Lab notebook management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences / Bioengineering / Biotechnology / Genetics or related field

Tools

Immunohistochemistry

Immunofluorescence

Lentivirus / AAV handling

Job description

Position Description

The Padmanabhan Laboratory in the Division of Cardiology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is recruiting a Junior Specialist (Step 1) to support research investigating gene regulatory and epigenetic mechanisms that control cardiac development, cardiomyocyte identity, and cardiovascular disease. This position closely mirrors the scope of responsibilities of the outgoing Junior Specialist and is designed for a highly motivated individual seeking rigorous, hands‑on training in mouse genetics, stem cell biology, molecular biology, and chromatin‑based experimental approaches in an academic research setting.

Responsibilities

• Culture, genetically manipulate, and maintain mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells and human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells, employing advanced genetic modification techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Perform directed differentiation protocols to derive atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes from hiPS and mES cell lines, optimizing conditions to achieve high differentiation efficiency and reproducibility.
• Assist in the design, generation, troubleshooting, and validation of novel genotyping strategies for newly engineered mouse alleles and genetically modified cell lines.
• Evaluate and quantify gene expression using quantitative PCR (qPCR), including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, primer optimization, assay validation, data normalization, and interpretation of results.
• Plan and assist with timed matings; perform careful dissection of mouse dams to isolate embryos at defined developmental stages.
• Conduct rapid DNA extraction and accurate PCR‑based genotyping of mouse embryos immediately following collection to determine genotype and suitability for downstream experiments.
• Prepare embryonic and adult tissues for histologic and microscopic evaluation, including tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and image acquisition.
• Perform a broad range of molecular biology and biochemical techniques including molecular cloning, plasmid preparation and validation, PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and basic chromatin assays (e.g., ChIP).
• Support viral vector preparation and use (e.g., lentivirus or AAV) for in vitro and in vivo genetic manipulation under supervision.
• Assist with maintenance of a mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, health monitoring, record keeping, and adherence to institutional animal care and use guidelines.
• Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory notebooks in compliance with institutional and funding agency requirements.
• Organize, label, and store biological samples, reagents, and experimental data to ensure reproducibility and data integrity.
• Assist with basic data analysis, organization of results into tables and figures, and preparation of summaries for lab meetings and ongoing manuscripts.
• Collaborate effectively with laboratory members and external collaborators to execute experiments, troubleshoot protocols, and support multiple ongoing research projects.
• Support general laboratory operations including reagent ordering, inventory management, protocol documentation, and maintenance of shared laboratory resources.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• At least one year of hands‑on experience working in an academic or industry research laboratory.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and biochemical assays.
• Familiarity with mouse models, including handling, breeding, genotyping, and colony maintenance.
• Ability to follow complex experimental protocols, troubleshoot technical issues, and generate reliable data.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated motivation to learn new experimental techniques and contribute to ongoing research projects.
• Interest in contributing to the full research cycle, including experimental execution, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Reporting Structure

The Junior Specialist will report directly to Dr. Arun Padmanabhan, Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCSF.

Salary

Estimated salary range: $55,000–$58,600.

EEO Statement

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: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

San Francisco, CA