Researcher, Neuroscience

University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, San Francisco is seeking an experienced Researcher to investigate molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on Alzheimer’s disease and ALS, defining protein–protein interaction networks, and understanding cellular pathways.

The role involves leading proteomics workflows, managing projects, mentoring junior researchers, contributing to publications and grants, and communicating findings to interdisciplinary audiences.

Qualifications

• PhD and postdoctoral experience in neuroscience, neurobiology, proteomics with independence.
• Strong proteomics expertise applied to protein interactions and cellular pathways.
• Hands-on molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology experience.
• Ability to design and lead complex experiments from hypotheses to results.
• Experience developing workflows and reproducible research methodologies.
• Experience managing multiple projects and coordinating timelines.
• Ability to mentor junior researchers and provide technical guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; contribute to manuscripts and grants.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize proteomics workflows and experimental systems.
• Establish robust experimental systems and validate key findings.
• Collaborate with proteomics and computational teams to derive insights.
• Lead research projects, coordinate collaborations, and mentor others.
• Contribute to publications, grant applications, and presentations.
• Communicate findings clearly to interdisciplinary audiences.

Skills

Proteomics expertise

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Hypothesis-driven research

Mentoring

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in neuroscience/proteomics

Tools

AP-MS

BioID

TurboID

CRISPR engineering

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Researcher to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our research focuses on defining protein–protein interaction networks, elucidating disease‑relevant molecular pathways, and understanding the cellular processes that contribute to neurodegeneration.

Position Description

Researcher, Neuroscience

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving research programs, developing innovative proteomics strategies, and generating mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative disease biology. This position requires substantial expertise in neuroscience and proteomics, scientific independence, and the ability to lead complex experimental investigations from hypothesis development through data interpretation and validation.

Responsibilities will include developing and optimizing wide‑ranging proteomics workflows; establishing robust experimental systems; and implementing orthogonal approaches to validate key findings. The candidate will be expected to develop experimental strategies, troubleshoot complex technical challenges, and continuously improve research methodologies to enhance data quality, reproducibility, and efficiency.

Additional responsibilities will include working with mammalian cell systems and disease‑relevant cellular models, including iPSC‑derived neurons where appropriate; performing biochemical, cellular, and imaging‑based assays to investigate the functional consequences of disease‑associated molecular interactions. The successful candidate will critically evaluate experimental results, integrate findings across multiple approaches, and collaborate with proteomics and computational experts to derive meaningful biological insights.

Beyond their individual research contributions, the Researcher will contribute to the scientific direction and strategic development of the neurodegeneration research program. They will take ownership of research projects, coordinate collaborative investigations, mentor junior researchers, and help establish new experimental capabilities. The candidate will also contribute to scientific publications, grant applications, research proposals, and presentations, and will be expected to communicate complex scientific findings clearly to interdisciplinary audiences.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD and relevant postdoctoral research experience in neuroscience, neurobiology, proteomics, or a closely related discipline, with a demonstrated record of scientific independence.
• Strong expertise in proteomics and its application to biological research, including the design, optimization, and interpretation of experiments investigating protein interactions, molecular networks, and cellular pathways.
• Substantial hands‑on experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology, including molecular cloning, PCR, Western blotting, protein expression, and protein analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to independently conceptualize, design, and lead complex experimental studies, from developing hypotheses to executing experiments, troubleshooting challenges, and interpreting results.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and implementing experimental workflows and establishing robust, reproducible research methodologies.
• Experience managing multiple research projects, setting priorities, coordinating experimental timelines, and ensuring progress toward research objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior researcher and provide technical guidance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting scientific findings and contributing to manuscripts, grant applications, and research proposals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience investigating neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, or related disorders.
• Expertise in affinity purification–mass spectrometry (AP‑MS), proximity labeling approaches such as BioID or TurboID, or other methods for mapping protein–protein interactions and molecular networks.
• Experience with CRISPR engineering, iPSC‑derived neurons, neuronal cell culture, or other disease‑relevant cellular models.
• Familiarity with quantitative proteomics, proteomic data analysis, structural biology, AI‑driven approaches, computational or bioinformatics tools.

See Table 13B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $96,700-$257,100.

Document Requirements

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

Reference Requirements

• 3 required (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 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: Aff­…

San Francisco, CA