Staff Research Associate 3 - Pediatric BMT

University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, San Francisco is seeking a Senior Research Associate III to lead in vivo rodent studies on thymic and T cell biology. The role involves planning and executing long-term surgical procedures, conducting downstream analyses, and driving original research projects with high independence.

Ideal candidates will have extensive immunology knowledge, experience with mouse colonies, and proficiency in cell culture, FACS, microscopy, and molecular biology, mentoring students and

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related science with two years of related work experience or equivalent
• Background in immunology, hematopoiesis, and T cell development
• Proficiency in mouse husbandry, breeding schemes, and multiple administration routes
• Experience performing rodent survival surgery and tissue collection
• Experience with wet lab skills: cell culture, FACS, microscopy, molecular biology
• Proficiency with FlowJo, ImageJ/LAS X, GraphPad Prism
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently as a technical specialist

Responsibilities

• Lead in vivo rodent research projects on thymic and T cell functions
• Plan and execute long-term, complex surgical procedures
• Perform downstream tissue, cellular, and molecular analyses
• Independently plan and carry out original research projects in the laboratory
• Train students and junior lab personnel
• Troubleshoot technical difficulties and maintain safety/regulatory compliance

Skills

Mouse husbandry

Surgical techniques

FACS

Microscopy

Molecular biology

FlowJo

ImageJ/LAS X

GraphPad Prism

Cell culture

Education

BA/BS in related science

Tools

FlowJo

ImageJ/LAS X

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Job Description

Department of Pediatrics is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate III (SRA) to support our research project on T cell development, thymic epithelial biology, and thymic regeneration. The SRA will serve as a senior technical specialist leading in vivo rodent research projects on thymic and T cell functions. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge in T cell and thymus biology, experience independently managing large, complex mouse colonies, planning and performing long‑term, complex surgical procedures, and executing downstream tissue, cellular and molecular analyses, with exceptional attention to detail.

The SRA is also required to independently plan and carry out original research projects in the laboratory, using a combination of techniques including cell culture, FACS, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology.

As an SRA, the candidate is expected to operate with a high level of independence, troubleshoot technical difficulties, and maintain safety and regulatory compliances. The ideal candidate needs to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, and assist in training students and junior lab personnel.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS with a degree in a related science, including two years of recent/directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques/methods required by the position and demonstrating technical expertise in these areas; and/or equivalent experience/training
• Background in immunology, with specific knowledge in hematopoiesis and T cell development
• Demonstrated proficiency in mouse husbandry, breeding schemes, and multiple administration routes
• Proven ability to perform rodent survival surgery and tissue collection under aseptic conditions
• Experience with a wide range of wet lab skills, including cell culture, FACS, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques
• Proficiency with specialized scientific software such as FlowJo, ImageJ/LAS X, and GraphPad Prism
• Excellent organizational skills, strong record‑keeping, and ability to work independently as a technical specialist

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized scientific background in thymus development and TEC/thymocyte crosstalks
• Demonstrated surgical techniques including bone marrow transplantation, renal capsule transplantation, and adoptive transfer models
• Extensive experience with advanced multi‑color FACS including spectral flow cytometry
• Experience working with BSL2+ materials
• Prior experience managing vendor relations, ordering, and compliance documentation (IACUC, EH&S, BSL-2)