Zhang Lab - Junior Specialist

University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Part time

Job summary

Zhang Lab at UCSF is seeking a part-time Junior Specialist to join our team and contribute to a project on CFTR's role in ameloblast differentiation and enamel formation, using in vitro and in vivo models. The selected candidate will review literature, generate new ideas, and assist with manuscript preparation, while maintaining a positive lab presence.

Responsibilities include mouse colony maintenance and handling, histology, immunostaining, cell culture, DNA/RNA/protein/ATP biochemistry

Qualifications

• Candidate must have strong laboratory skills and familiarity with mouse handling, histology, and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with RNA analysis (purification, qPCR, RNA-seq) and mitochondrial assays is required.
• Excellent organization and a detailed notebook are essential.
• Willingness to learn new methods and work both independently and with a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Research Contributions: perform mouse colony maintenance, mouse handling, histology, immunostaining, cell culture, and RNA/DNA/protein/ATP assays, RNA-seq analysis.
• Data Analysis: interpret results and relevant literature to support hypothesis-driven research.
• Innovation: develop new ideas and approaches for the project.
• Manuscript Preparation: contribute to writing and preparing manuscripts for publication.
• Lab Duties: maintain equipment and ensure a clean, organized lab environment.
• Team Collaboration: maintain a positive, collaborative presence within the team.

Skills

Mouse handling

Histology

Immunostaining

DNA analysis

RNA purification/qPCR/RNA-seq

Mitochondrial activity assays

Lab notebook

Independent work

Teamwork

Time management

Learning new methods

Manuscript writing

Tooth enamel organ biology (familiar)

EDX/FTIR/SEM familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field

Job description

Zhang Lab - Junior Specialist

Department of Orofacial Sciences

UC San Francisco

The Zhang’s Laboratory is seeking a part-time Junior Specialist to join our team and contribute to a project focused on investigating the effects of CFTR on ameloblast differentiation and enamel formation using in vitro and in vivo models. This project focuses on investigating mitochondrial function in ameloblasts and the composition of carbonated hydroxyapatite in the enamel matrix of mice with ameloblast-specific CFTR deficiency. The selected candidate will be expected to analyze the relevant literature, demonstrate creativity in developing new ideas, and contribute to manuscript writing. Additionally, the Junior Specialist will be responsible for general lab duties and maintaining a positive presence within the lab.

Responsibilities

• Research Contributions: Perform experiments involving mouse colony maintenance, mouse handling, histology, immunostaining, cell culture, and DNA/RNA/protein/ATP biochemistry assays, RNA-seq analysis.
• Data Analysis: Analyze experimental results and relevant literature to support hypothesis-driven research.
• Innovation: Demonstrate creativity in developing new research ideas and approaches.
• Manuscript Preparation: Contribute to writing and preparing manuscripts for publication.
• Lab Duties: Perform general laboratory tasks, including maintaining equipment, and ensuring a clean and organized lab environment.
• Team Collaboration: Maintain a positive and collaborative presence within the research team.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field or at least four years of research experience.
  • Experience with basic laboratory techniques, including mouse colony maintenance, mouse handling, histology, immunostaining, DNA analysis, RNA purification/qPCR/RNA-seq analysis, mitochondrial activity biochemistry assays.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and maintaining a detailed, organized, prompt, and accurate laboratory notebook.
  • Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Preferred:
  • Familiarity with the biology of the tooth enamel organ.
  • Familiarity with hard tissue EDX, FTIR, and SEM analyses systems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for manuscript preparation.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$60,700.

Document Requirements

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

Reference Requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)

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: Affeminative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

San Francisco, CA