Vilarinho Lab - Junior or Assistant Specialist

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF is seeking a motivated Junior or Assistant Specialist to advance liver biology and disease research through genetics, genomics, and mechanistic studies.

The role involves mouse experiments, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology, with collaboration across the UCSF Liver Center. Periodic evenings or weekends may be required to support in vivo work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or 4 years of relevant research experience.
• Master's degree or equivalent with 3+ years of research experience.
• Knowledge of chemistry to prepare pH solutions.
• Ability to perform mouse-related experimental work.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours occasionally.
• Working knowledge of Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mouse-related experiments in liver biology studies.
• Utilize flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and molecular techniques.
• Collaborate with UCSF Liver Center and research team.
• Document and present findings with accuracy.

Skills

Chemistry basics

Mouse work

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

MS Word & Excel

Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Master's degree or 3+ years experience

Tools

Flow cytometry

Confocal microscopy

Molecular biology

Mouse handling

Job description

Application Window

Open date: September 28, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026 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.

Final date: Tuesday, Mar 28, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

The Vilarinho Laboratory at UCSF is seeking a highly motivated and creative Junior or Assistant Specialist who is passionate about advancing our understanding of liver biology and liver disease through human genetics, genomics, and mechanistic studies.

This position will contribute to mouse-related research crucial to advance our knowledge of liver endothelial cell homeostasis and its impact in liver health and disease. Flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and molecular biology techniques will be used regularly. Our laboratory is integrated within the UCSF Liver Center, which we work closely with.

Our research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern liver function in health and disease, with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic targets and developing precision medicine approaches for patients with liver disorders.

We leverage human genetics and genomics, coupled with deeply phenotyped cohorts, to discover novel disease-causing genes and pathways. Using a combination of cellular and animal models, molecular biology, and biochemical approaches, we investigate how genetic variation leads to liver disease. Through these studies, we not only provide genetic diagnoses that can inform patient care and therapeutic development but also gain fundamental insights into liver biology.

The incumbent must be willing to work periodic evenings and/or weekends to accommodate the needs of in vivo experiments.

For more information about our research, please visit the Vilarinho lab website.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$73,200.

Required Qualifications:

• Junior Specialist - Must possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least 4 years of relevant research experience
• Assistant Specialist - Must possess a Master's degree or a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) with 3 or more years of relevant research experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of chemistry, sufficient to prepare and pH laboratory solutions
• Ability and skills to perform mouse related experimental work
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours on occasion to meet research demands
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in laboratory research, specifically with mouse experiments, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and molecular biology techniques

Document requirements

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

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 1-2 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, as defined by the employer.

* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

* APM - 035: Affordative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

San Francisco, CA