Sil Lab – Junior/Assistant

University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sil Lab at UCSF, School of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, seeks a highly motivated Junior/Assistant Specialist to support research on the basic biology of fungal pathogens, working closely with postdoctoral fellows and other lab members.

The role involves generating genetic tools, performing fungal culturing, cloning, protein purification, and biochemical assays, with opportunities to lead an independent project and contribute to grant activities while helping manage day‑to‑day lab

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or four years of research experience for Junior rank.
• Master's degree (or equivalent) or a bachelor’s degree with three or more years of research experience for Assistant rank.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular and cell biology experiments (PCR, qPCR, in vitro transcription, cloning, gel electrophoresis, immunoprecipitations, Northern and Western blotting).
• Aseptically culture fungal cell lines and perform genetic manipulations using CRISPR‑Cas9.
• Prepare RNA and DNA libraries for next‑generation sequencing.
• Microscopic analysis of fungal cells.
• Collect, analyze, and present experimental data.

Skills

Lab techniques

CRISPR-Cas9

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Literature review

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Cloning

Protein purification

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

Sil Lab – Junior/Assistant

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE – Microbiology and Immunology

Position Description

The Sil lab is seeking a highly‑motivated and detail‑oriented Junior/Assistant Specialist to join our group and support research in the basic biology of fungal pathogens. The candidate will work closely with postdoctoral fellows and other lab members to investigate novel biology in fungal development. We take a number of molecular approaches, including genetics and genomics, with a focus on RNA biology.

The candidate will be expected to generate genetic tools and conduct microbiology and molecular biology techniques, including fungal culturing, cloning, protein purification, and biochemical assays. An exceptional candidate will lead their own independent project, develop new ideas, be familiar with the literature, and participate in procurement of funds, where appropriate. Additionally, the specialist will be expected to assist with managing day‑to‑day lab operations and perform general lab duties and be a positive lab citizen.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting molecular and cell biology experiments, such as PCR, qPCR, in vitro transcription, cloning, gel electrophoresis, immunoprecipitations, Northern and Western blotting
• Aseptically culturing fungal cell lines and performing genetic manipulations using CRISPR‑Cas9
• Preparing RNA and DNA libraries for next‑generation sequencing
• Microscopic analysis of fungal cells
• Collecting, analyzing, and presenting experimental data

Required Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) or four years of research experience to be appointed at the Junior rank
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or a bachelor’s degree with three or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Assistant rank

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with handling pathogenic microbes, aseptic techniques
• Prior experience with BSL2/BSL3 biocontainment
• Prior experience in the design and assembly of DNA constructs
• Prior experience in molecular genetics and biology (e.g., gene knockouts, epitope tagging, immunoprecipitation, protein‑protein interactions)
• Prior experience with RNAseq and library preparation
• Familiarity with RNA biology, gene expression assays, Western blotting
• Prior experience working in a research lab with fungi

We are seeking at least a 2‑year commitment. Depending on performance and workload, opportunities for independent research, mentorship of other trainees, and scientific writing will be available.

Applicants must meet requirements by the time of appointment.

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05611.

Document Requirements

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

Reference Requirements

• 2 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 its 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: Affidavit and Nondiscrimination in Employment

San Francisco, CA