Pownall Lab - Associate/Full Specialist

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 78,300 - 201,700; Full time

Job summary

The Pownall Lab at UCSF is seeking a full or associate specialist to study chromatin structure and function in developing zebrafish embryos using advanced microscopy.

The candidate will independently design and perform experiments, including zebrafish breeding, embryo microinjection, mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning and in vitro RNA synthesis, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, expansion microscopy, DNA and RNA FISH, and quantitative image analysis.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent) or 5–10 years of research experience for Associate rank.
• Terminal degree (or equivalent) or 10+ years of research experience for Full rank.
• Experience in vertebrate embryology (fish, frog, or mouse).
• Broad expertise in advanced microscopy.
• A record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience working collaboratively in a shared research environment and contributing to lab organization.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments in zebrafish embryos and related systems.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations, supplies, safety, and zebrafish care as needed.
• Develop ChromExM technology and manage collaborations for applications to other systems.
• Train and mentor lab members and collaborators.
• Contribute to publications and grant applications.

Skills

Embryology

Advanced microscopy

Laboratory operations

Team collaboration

Molecular cloning

Cell culture

Education

Master's degree

Terminal degree

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Expansion microscopy

FISH (DNA/RNA)

Job description

Pownall Lab - Associate/Full Specialist

Biochemistry and Biophysics

UC San Francisco

The Pownall Lab at UCSF is seeking a full or associate specialist interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling chromatin structure and function in developing zebrafish embryos using advanced microscopy methods. The candidate will be responsible for independently designing and performing experiments, including but not limited to zebrafish breeding and embryo microinjection, mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning and in vitro RNA synthesis, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, expansion microscopy, DNA and RNA FISH, and quantitative image analysis. The candidate will also contribute to the preparation of publications and grant applications.

The candidate will help to oversee day-to-day operations of the lab, including ordering laboratory supplies, maintaining lab organization, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, and will assist with zebrafish care and husbandry as needed. This position will be focused on ChromExM technology development and applications, including managing collaborations to apply ChromExM to other systems and training and mentoring lab members and collaborators. The candidate is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, including taking ownership of experimental direction, troubleshooting, and execution with minimal oversight. Successful candidates are expected to be extremely detail-oriented, highly organized, collaborative, and enjoy protocol development. The ideal start date is no later than October 2026.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of research experience to be appointed at the Associate rank.
• Terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Full rank.
• Demonstrated experience in vertebrate embryology (fish, frog, or mouse).
• Broad expertise in advanced microscopy.
• A record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience working collaboratively in a shared research environment and contributing to laboratory organization, coordination, and support of other researchers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD degree in molecular biology or a closely related field (e.g., genetics, cell biology).
• Experience with super-resolution microscopy (SMLM, STED, SIM, etc.).
• A track record of training and mentoring others will be preferred.
• Demonstrate strong initiative in independently identifying, prioritizing, and communicating experimental and organization needs.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $78,300-$201,700.

Document requirements

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

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: Affidative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

San Francisco, CA