Research associate (Junior Specialist) positions available in cancer immunotherapy and proteomics at the University of California, San Francisco

Details

Posted: 05-Feb-24

Location: San Francisco, California

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Academic/Faculty

Internal Number: JPF04367

Research associate (Junior Specialist) positions available in cancer immunotherapy and proteomics at the University of California, San Francisco

Availability: Summer 2023

Description: We are currently seeking two highly qualified candidates as research associates (Junior Specialists) in the Dept. of Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. The positions will both be under the direction of Arun Wiita, MD, PhD. Our lab at UCSF (https://wiitalab.ucsf.edu ) focuses on immunotherapy, quantitative proteomics, and bench to bedside applications in blood cancers.

The first role will focus on development and optimization of new cellular therapies (CAR-T and/or CAR-NK cells) and conducting preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies of other immunotherapies and small molecules in blood cancers as well as basic molecular biology relating to studies in these diseases. Techniques to be used include basic molecular and cell biology (cloning, Westerns, qPCR, etc.), cell culture, microscopy, and drug screening. Additional techniques will include recombinant protein expression and cellular therapy engineering, in which our group has expertise. This role will work in close collaboration with the clinical myeloma service at UCSF, one of the largest such programs in the country, as well as other leading clinical and immunotherapy groups at UCSF.

The second role will focus on supporting discovery research and collaborative projects related to mass spectrometry-based proteomics, and most specifically cell surface proteomics. Additional techniques to be used include cell culture, basic biochemistry, and basic molecular biology approaches. While prior experience in proteomics is not required, a background in quantitative sciences, data science, and/or computer science/computational biology is preferred.
The ideal candidates for these positions will be proficient in a highly collaborative environment, working with academic research groups and myeloma clinicians as well as with biotech industry partners. Additional responsibilities will include some lab managerial duties such as order tracking, laboratory organization, etc. These positions are optimal for talented recent college graduates with the goal of attending medical or graduate school in two years. Extensive opportunities are available for participating in abstracts and publications. Prior post-undergraduate trainees in our group have published first-author papers and moved on to top-tier graduate or medical schools. Candidates should have a strong interest in directly improving patient care through their research and gaining experience in preclinical therapeutic development in cancer.

Qualifications: Qualified applicants will hold a BA, BS, or equivalent from a Dept. of Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, or similar. Strong prior laboratory research experience as an undergraduate is required. Experience in standard molecular biology techniques (as listed above), mammalian cell culture, and cellular viability assays is preferred but not required. Experience with “omics” techniques, including proteomics, and associated data analysis are preferred though not required. Experience with protein expression/purification is preferred but not required. A two-year commitment is required. Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment. Candidate’s CV or cover letter must state required qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

Environment: The University of California, San Francisco is a premier academic medical center excelling in both clinical care and basic science research. The Wiita lab in the Dept. of Laboratory Medicine and Dept. of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences is a multidisciplinary research group offering extensive opportunities for training. Our interests span development of novel cancer immunotherapies, mechanistic biology in blood cancers, translational research and drug development in hematologic malignancies, and new technology development combining mass spectrometry-based proteomics, chemical biology, and genome engineering. Dr. Wiita is also a member of the Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub, providing opportunities for collaboration with leading groups across UCSF, Stanford, and Berkeley. The Wiita lab is also an affiliate of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, a nation-wide network of leading groups focused on harnessing the immune system to eliminate cancer.

Funding: The Wiita lab is currently extensively funded by 12 different federal, state, and private awards as well as philanthropic donations to UCSF. Two years of salary and benefits associated with this position is guaranteed.

Interested candidates should apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF04367 , with a CV, cover letter, and contact information for two references.

See Table 24B (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2022-23/july-2022-salary-scales/t24-b.pdf ) for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $49,000-$52,200.

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)

• Statement of Contributions to Diversity – Please see the following page for more details: https://diversity.ucsf.edu/contributions-to-diversity-statement
  (Optional)

• Misc / Additional (Optional)

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.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

San Francisco, CA