Junior/Assistant/Associate Specialist

Multi-slot search (Junior, Assistant, and Associate levels)

Area of Specialization / Responsibilities:
The Minnie lab at UCSF is seeking applicants for a full-time position as a Junior/Assistant/Associate Specialist in our group. Our laboratory studies tumor immunology in hematologic malignancies to develop new immunotherapies, including cellular therapies. We also study mechanisms of relapse and resistance to existing therapies to develop combination immunotherapy approaches. We use preclinical models, human samples, high parameter flow cytometry, and single cell RNA sequencing approaches to study immune cells in the bone marrow tumor microenvironment. The overarching goal of our research is to generate robust preclinical data that informs clinical translation and to perform ‘basic science’ to discover novel immunotherapy targets.

The selected candidate will perform laboratory and investigative procedures by conducting a variety of experimental techniques such as cell culture, animal handling, flow cytometry, molecular biology, CAR T cell manufacturing, stem cell transplantation, and analysis of mouse tumor models. Technical training will be provided to complete these tasks, and the successful candidate must be able to learn new biological assays and execute them independently as necessary. We also encourage candidates who are interested in learning to analyze single cell sequencing datasets, alongside performing wet lab bench science to apply. Basic R training courses will be covered to develop dry lab skills. The specialist will contribute to new research projects.

The Minnie lab is committed to training the next generation of scientists under the mentorship of the lab’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Simone Minnie. Beyond training in technical skills, candidates will be provided with opportunities to present their research through research talks as well as co-authored publications.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Processing of mouse samples for downstream analysis or stem cell transplantation models.
• Animal handling (including s.c., i.p., i.v., oral gavage) and monitoring of experiments. Hands on training will be provided, however candidates already competent in these skills will be viewed favorably. 
• Performing gene transfer studies using lentiviral infection of mouse cell cultures.
• Culturing primary immune cells to manufacture mouse CAR T cells.
• High-dimensional analysis of mouse and human samples using spectral flow and scRNAseq.
• Assisting with lab maintenance duties, including ordering chemicals, reagents, supplies.
• Reading literature applicable to research areas as required.
• Basic analysis of single cell sequencing datasets (optional).
• Participating in laboratory meetings and planning of experiments.

Required Qualifications
• Willingness to work with laboratory mice. • Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) or four years of research experience to be appointed at the Junior rank.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or a baccalaureate degree with at least three years of research experience to be appointed at the Assistant rank.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or at least five to ten years of research experience to be appointed at the Associate ranks.
• Prior experience working with biological samples in a laboratory setting

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in basic aspects of cell biology including observing sterile technique for working with cell lines, counting cells, and preparing lysates.
• Experience with colony management 
• Experience with flow cytometry
• Experience with PCR and some molecular biology techniques
• Computer software skills (MS Office, PRISM, Flowjo, Illustrator). Experience with R studio would be viewed favorably. 
• Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction. Able to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques.
• Attention to detail.

A 2-year commitment is preferred. Depending on performance and workload, opportunities for independent research, mentorship of other trainees, and scientific writing will be available.

Applicants must meet requirements by the time of hire.

Please apply via AP Recruit at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05438. Applicants’ materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100-$85,000.