Staff Research Associate 1/2 - Cardiology

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF is seeking a Staff Research Associate to support a biomedical lab focused on hypoxia, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular disease. The role involves hands-on experiments, molecular and biochemical techniques, and growing independence in research tasks.

You will work with in vitro and mouse models and contribute to data analysis and manuscript preparation. The position emphasizes lab organization, collaboration, and maintaining animal colonies while supporting ongoing projects in a dynamic

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related science or equivalent training/experience.
• One year of related work experience following degree completion is preferred.
• Experience with mouse colony maintenance and tissue dissections is required.
• Molecular cloning and biochemistry experience is needed.
• Experience with basic cell culture and standard molecular techniques (gel electrophoresis, western blotting, PCR/qPCR).
• Ability to analyze data and perform basic bioinformatics (Python/R/Matlab).
• Strong writing, organization, and literature review skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the PI with active experiments and daily lab tasks.
• Maintain mouse colonies and perform dissections as needed.
• Develop independence in molecular/biochemical analyses and data presentation.
• Prepare DNA constructs and assist with mouse model experiments.
• Help with lab management, ordering, and vendor coordination.

Skills

Biology background

Molecular biology

Cell biology

PCR/qPCR

Data analysis

Bioinformatics (Python/R/Matlab)

Education

BA/BS in related science

MS degree (preferred)

Tools

Prism

Excel

DNA/RNA extraction

Job description

Description & Requirements

Job Description

The Staff Research Associate (SRA) assists the principal investigator (PI) with active experiments and the daily tasks related to the operation of a biomedical research laboratory. This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in graduate school in the biomedical sciences.

Our research is primarily focused on: 1) chronic hypoxia sensing and adaptation, 2) mechanisms of pericarditis, and 3) lipid metabolism in hypoxia. We seek to understand how cells, tissues, and organisms respond and adapt to chronic hypoxia at the molecular and whole-body physiology levels. We utilize a variety of in vitro (cell) models and mouse models to investigate specific transcription factors, gene and protein regulatory pathways, and metabolic changes in mediating responses under hypoxia. This work lies at the intersection of hypoxia signaling, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular disease. We have developed models of cardiovascular disease that are affected by chronic hypoxia, including pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and obesity. We use various biochemical assays, "multi-omics," and computational approaches to carefully dissect mechanisms of hypoxia adaptation and lipid rewiring in hypoxia. In addition, we are interested in dissecting mechanisms of recurrent pericarditis, using mouse models of pericarditis and patient samples.

The SRA will have many duties relevant to these goals and it is expected that they will become increasing independent over time. It is expected that the SRA will become well-versed in multiple molecular and biochemical techniques to analyze tissues and cells, such as western blotting, qPCR, single nuclear RNA sequencing, and generation of DNA constructs. They will also assist with various mouse model experiments and take an active role in mouse colony maintenance and lab organization and lab management.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• SRA 1 - BA/BS in a related science (background in general biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and chemistry) ; or an equivalent training/experience.
• Prior publications or significant contributions to manuscripts SRA 2 NEX - In addition to the above, one year of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion utilizing techniques and methods required by the position
• Additional requirements;
• Experience with mouse colony maintenance and mouse breeding
• Experience with mouse tissue dissections
• Experience with molecular cloning and biochemistry
• Experience with basic cell culture techniques
• Experience accurately and successfully performing DNA and protein gel electrophoresis; western blotting; PCR; quantitative RT-PCR; standard cell culture; and DNA/RNA extractions from animal tissues and cell culture samples
• Demonstrated knowledge of molarity, sterile technique, standard Mendelian genetic inheritance, and general microbiology
• Demonstrated ability to perform standard data analysis and basic bioinformatics programming (such as Python, R, or Matlab)
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and present/organize data
• Familiarity with experimental design (controls, technical vs biological replicates)
• Ability to independently analyze data (including Excel, Prism, Word; bioinformatics) and devise follow up/trouble shooting experiments
• Strong scientific writing skills (including writing hypotheses, aims, approaches, and anticipated results)
• Ability to review and discuss scientific literature
• Ability to compile data and summarize research findings (both verbally and written)
• Ability to maintain well organized workflows and protocols
• Strong knowledge of cardiovascular physiology and hypoxia-associated diseases (such as pulmonary hypertension and heart failure)
• Strong knowledge of lipid metabolism
• Ability to update lab website
• Lab managerial skills (such as following up with vendors, submitting orders on BearBuy, coordinating meetings with others in the lab and collaborators)

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a field relevant to biomedical research (e.g., biology, chemistry, molecular biology, pre-medicine track)
• MS degree in field relevant to biomedical research
• Experience with rodent handling and experiments, including delivery of compounds via tail vein injection, intra-peritoneal injections, and oral gavage
• Previous basic science research

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as https://www.ucsf.edu/about/mission-and-values . In addition to , UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available https://diversity.ucsf.edu/ . Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

EEO Statement

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.