Staff Research Associate III

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gaensler Lab at UCSF is seeking a Senior Research Associate III to advance translational and pre-clinical work on a novel leukemia vaccine. You will assess immune responses, collaborate on tumor microenvironment studies, and contribute to IND-related activities in a dynamic, collaborative lab.

Responsibilities include leading projects, cell culture, cloning, gene expression and western blot analysis, while developing murine models and maintaining research databases.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Biochemistry or related science and 3+ years of related work experience, with required techniques.
• Tissue culture and banking cells with aseptic technique.
• Molecular biology techniques such as cloning, nucleic acid purification and analysis.
• Good communication and record keeping, organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Validate results from basic and translational cancer research in cellular biology, immunology, bioinformatics, and murine models.
• Lead specific projects involving vaccine response and drug development using in vitro biochemistry and cellular experiments.
• Conduct extensive cell culture work and standard cloning procedures.
• Perform gene expression studies and western blot analysis.
• Develop and utilize murine models for immune therapeutic strategies.
• Establish and maintain a formal database for reagents and samples.
• Accurately record critical data and collaborate in a team-oriented environment.
• Foster an inclusive environment and support trainees and scientific events.

Skills

Cell culture

Cloning

Western blotting

Protein expression

Bioinformatics

Single-cell analysis

Flow cytometry

Immunology

Cellular biology

Project management

Education

BS in Biochemistry or related science

Tools

Nucleic acid purification

Job description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Gaensler Lab at UCSF is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate III (SRAIII) to contribute to our translational and pre-clinical studies focused on a novel leukemia vaccine. The lab's mission is to enhance anti-leukemic immunological responses in older patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, with the ultimate goal of improving relapse-free survival rates. The successful candidate will assess immunological responses to engineered human leukemia vaccines, collaborate on mechanistic studies of the tumor microenvironment, and participate in IND related studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and Validation: Validate results from basic and translational cancer research projects in cellular biology, immunology, bioinformatics, and murine models.
• Project Leadership: Take on primary research responsibility for specific projects, particularly those involving vaccine response and drug development using in vitro biochemistry and cellular experiments.
• Cell Culture and Cloning: Conduct extensive cell culture work and standard cloning procedures.
• Gene Expression and Analysis: Perform gene expression studies and western blot analysis.
• Model Development: Develop and utilize murine models for immune therapeutic strategies.
• Database Management: Establish and maintain a formal database for necessary reagents and research sample banking.
• Data Recording: Conduct experiments and accurately record critical data.
• Collaboration and Environment: Create an inclusive environment, provide academic opportunities for trainees, and encourage participation in scientific events.

Expectations For Senior Research Associate III

• Laboratory Management: Direct the work of a medium-sized laboratory and perform specialized experimental work.
• Innovative Contributions: Make innovative contributions to experimental procedures and contribute original ideas based on scientific methodology and related research literature.
• Multi‑Disciplinary Expertise: Possess expertise of scientific procedures in two or more distinct fields of science.
• Independent Work: Perform work under general supervision, with independent and innovative contributions to experimental procedures typically expected.

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Proficiency in cell culture and cloning.
• Experience with western blotting and protein expression is considered an additional asset.
• Background in bioinformatics‑ single cell analysis highly desirable
• Strong background in cellular biology, immunology including flow cytometric analyses .
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

Training And Development

The position offers training opportunities, including presentations at local and national meetings and co‑authored publications, to foster the growth and development of the next generation of scientists in the field.

Qualifications

Qualifications that must be possessed by any candidate to be considered for the position. These qualifications will be included in the job posting and will be used to screen applicants. Please include qualifications that are objective and quantifiable such as years of experience required, educational degrees, etc.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Biochemistry or related science and three or more years of recent, directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position and demonstrating technical expertise in these areas; and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Tissue Culture and all related skills, banking cells, aseptic technique.
• Molecular biology techniques such as cloning, nucleic acid purification and analysis.
• Good communication and good record keeping, organizational skills.

Required Licenses And/or Certifications

Licenses and certifications that a candidate must possess to be considered for the position.

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• Generally experienced in job duties and in the principles and practices associated with those duties with an understanding of the underlying scientific principles.
• Ability to draft routine reports and keep accurate records of work performed.
• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.
• Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction. Able to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques.