Specialist- Villeda Lab

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF offers a Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist position in the Villeda Lab within the Department of Anatomy in San Francisco. The role includes work with animal models, neuroanatomical analysis of aging brains, microscopy, surgical techniques, cell culture, molecular biology, and cognitive testing, with opportunities to lead projects.

The candidate will manage day-to-day lab operations, mouse husbandry, inventory, and maintain a productive lab culture while developing new ideas and

Qualifications

• Junior Specialist requires a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or at least four years of research experience.
• Assistant Specialist requires a master's degree (or equivalent) or a bachelor’s degree with three or more years of research experience.
• Associate Specialist requires a master's degree (or equivalent) or five to ten years of relevant experience.
• Full Specialist requires a terminal degree (or equivalent) or ten or more years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Use animal model systems and neuroanatomical analysis of the aging brain.
• Perform microscopy imaging and animal surgical techniques.
• Conduct cell culture, molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Carry out cognitive behavioral testing in animals and design experiments.
• Lead independent projects and develop new ideas in the lab.
• Manage day-to-day lab operations, including aging colony husbandry and inventory.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Independent research

Team collaboration

Task prioritization

Willingness to learn

Education

Baccalaureate degree

Master's degree

Terminal degree

Job description

Application Window

Open date: September 28, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Mar 28, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Specialist- Villeda Lab

Department of Anatomy

University of California, San Francisco

The Villeda lab is seeking a Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist to join our group and contribute to new and ongoing projects. The responsibilities of the position include use of animal model systems, neuroanatomical analysis of the aging brain, microscopy imaging, animal surgical techniques, cell culture techniques, molecular and cell biological techniques, and cognitive behavioral testing in animals, as well as designing experiments, leading independent projects, developing new ideas, gaining familiarity with the literature. The candidate will also be responsible for managing day-to-day lab operations and management, including oversight of the aging colony mouse husbandry, maintenance of laboratory organization, supply handling, inventory management and performing general lab duties, and creating a positive and effective lab culture.

Required Qualifications

• Junior Specialist - Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience
• Assistant Specialist- Master's degree (or equivalent degree) or a baccalaureate degree with three or more years of research experience
• Associate Specialist - Master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of relevant experience
• Full Specialist - terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of relevant experience
• 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
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment.
• Candidate's CV must state qualifications or if pending upon submission.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$201,700.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

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: Affinity Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

San Francisco, CA