Research Associate, Zebrafish Virus Infection Biology (Balla Group - Biohub SF)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research institute is seeking a dedicated Research Associate to join a dynamic team focused on studying virus infections using zebrafish as a model. This role offers the chance to work in a collaborative environment, contributing to groundbreaking research that addresses significant scientific challenges. With a strong emphasis on molecular biology and hands-on experience in lab techniques, you'll play a crucial role in developing genetically modified viruses and understanding immune responses. This position not only provides a competitive salary but also access to state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to career development and inclusivity.

Benefits

Healthcare

Life and Disability Insurance

Commuter Subsidies

Childcare Stipends

401(k) Matching

Flexible Time Off

Parental Leave

Ongoing Learning Opportunities

Qualifications

• 1 year of molecular biology lab experience including nucleic acid isolation and PCR.
• Familiarity with RNA virus replication techniques and excellent organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop genetically modified viruses in zebrafish and tissue culture models.
• Study immune responses to viral infections and collaborate with team members.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Nucleic Acid Isolation

PCR

Cloning

Bacterial Culture

RNA Virus Replication Techniques

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Science

Tools

Python

Widefield Microscopy

Confocal Microscopy

Job description

Research Associate, Zebrafish Virus Infection Biology (Balla Group - Biohub SF)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco (CZ Biohub SF) (https://www.czbiohub.org/sf/) is an independent nonprofit research institute that unites three leading universities—Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco—into a collaborative engine for technology and discovery. CZ Biohub SF supports engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers investigating disease mechanisms and developing diagnostics and therapies. Our values include scholarly excellence, disruptive innovation, hands-on engineering, collaboration, open communication, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• Address large scientific challenges beyond conventional settings
• Support investigators pursuing innovative, high-risk ideas
• Develop technologies that facilitate research at our partner institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought and perspective fuels our innovation and excellence. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel inspired and valued.

The Opportunity

The Balla group is building an interdisciplinary team to study virus infection using zebrafish as a model. We seek an energetic, curious, and team-oriented Research Associate to help develop genetically modified viruses in zebrafish and tissue culture models, aiming to understand immune responses to viral infections. This role is based in San Francisco initially, transitioning to Redwood City in two years.

You will

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in a life science with at least 1 year of molecular biology lab experience (including nucleic acid isolation, PCR, cloning, bacterial culture)
• Have 1 year of experience working with zebrafish and/or tissue culture
• Be familiar with techniques for characterizing RNA virus replication (qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization, TCID50, plaque assay)
• Exhibit excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Be a dedicated team player capable of working independently
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills

You have

• 1 year of aquaculture experience
• Interest in biology, animal husbandry, or related fields
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Nice to have

• Knowledge of Python
• Experience with widefield or confocal microscopy
• Hands-on experience working with viruses

Compensation

The base pay range in San Francisco is:

• Research Associate I: $52,000 - $77,000
• Research Associate II: $67,000 - $99,000

New hires typically start at the lower end, with opportunities for growth based on skills and experience.

What We Provide

• Resources to advance biological and disease research
• A collaborative environment with diverse expertise
• Access to facilities at Stanford, UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and partners
• Competitive salary and benefits

We encourage applicants whose experience may not align perfectly with every qualification to apply, as they may be a great fit for this or other roles.

Our benefits include healthcare, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning, childcare stipends, 401(k) matching, flexible time off, and parental leave. We prioritize career development and scholarly excellence through ongoing learning opportunities.

The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected categories. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in line with the California Fair Chance Act.

Headhunters and agencies are not authorized to submit resumes or CVs. We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and will not pay fees to third-party recruiters without a formal agreement.

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