Research Associate, Zebrafish Virus Infection Biology (Balla Group - Biohub SF)

Research Associate, Zebrafish Virus Infection Biology (Balla Group - Biohub SF)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco (CZ Biohub SF ) ( is an independent nonprofit research institute that unites Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco into a collaborative engine for technology and discovery. CZ Biohub SF supports engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to explore disease mechanisms and develop diagnostics and therapies. Our core values include scholarly excellence, disruptive innovation, hands-on engineering, collaboration, open communication, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• Address large scientific challenges beyond conventional environments
• Enable investigators to pursue innovative, high-risk ideas
• Develop technologies to support research at our partner institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought and perspective drives our innovation and excellence. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel valued and contribute meaningfully.

The Opportunity

The Balla group is assembling an interdisciplinary team with expertise in molecular biology, microscopy, virology, and immunology to study virus infection using zebrafish as a model. We seek an energetic, curious, and team-oriented Research Associate to support our work on organismal virus infection biology. The role involves developing and deploying genetically modified viruses in zebrafish and tissue culture models to analyze viral infection dynamics. These tools will aid our efforts to understand and engineer immune responses to viruses and inflammation. The position is based in San Francisco initially, with a planned transition to Redwood City in two years.

You will

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in a life science with at least 1 year of molecular biology lab experience (including nucleic acid isolation, PCR, cloning, bacterial culture)
• Have 1 year of experience working with zebrafish and/or tissue culture
• Be familiar with techniques for characterizing RNA virus replication (qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization, TCID50, plaque assay, etc.)
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Be a dedicated team player capable of working independently
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills

You have

• At least 1 year of aquaculture experience
• An interest in biology, animal husbandry, or related fields
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work well in a team and independently

Nice to have

• Python programming knowledge
• Experience with widefield/confocal microscopy
• Hands-on experience with viruses

Compensation

The San Francisco base salary range is $52,000–$77,000 for Research Associate I and $67,000–$99,000 for Research Associate II. New hires typically start at the lower end, with potential for growth. Actual placement depends on skills and experience evaluated during the interview process.

What We Provide

• Resources for innovative research in biology and disease
• A collaborative environment with diverse expertise
• Access to facilities at Stanford, UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and partner organizations
• Competitive salary and benefits

If your experience doesn’t match every qualification but you’re interested, we encourage you to apply as you may be a great fit for this or other roles.

Our benefits include healthcare, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning, childcare stipends, 401(k) matching, flexible time off, and parental leave. We promote career development and scholarly excellence through ongoing learning opportunities.

The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected statuses, in accordance with applicable law.