Staff Research Associate - Pluripotent Stem Cells and CRISPR Screening

Overview

Staff Research Associate - Pluripotent Stem Cells and CRISPR Screening

Department: Urology, School of Medicine, UCSF. Location: San Francisco, CA (Mission Bay campus). Work style: Fully On-Site. Shift: Days, 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Job Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Aaron Huebner is recruiting for a Staff Research Associate. The successful incumbent will contribute to research in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models and conduct hypothesis-driven projects using CRISPR approaches to study cell fate decisions in multicellular human iPSC models and multiomics across space and time. Under supervision, the researcher will participate in NIH-funded projects using iPSC cells, iPSC-directed differentiation, primary cells, and organoid culture, as well as single-cell multiomics approaches. The role includes collaboration in interdisciplinary efforts to build human iPSC-based models to uncover molecular mechanisms of developmental processes and disease states. The researcher will perform complex experiments including genome-scale screens, genetic interaction mapping, and genome engineering to understand genetic and epigenetic factors in cancer initiation and progression. Duties include conducting experiments, analyzing results, and contributing to manuscripts and progress reports. The lab emphasizes individualized mentorship and seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds.

The Department of Urology educates medical students, residents, and clinical and postdoctoral fellows and conducts basic science, clinical, and epidemiological research, including clinical trials, as well as providing patient care across multiple sites: Parnassus, Mission Bay, Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG), SFVAMC, and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.

Responsibilities

Contribute to NIH-funded projects using iPSC models, iPSC-directed differentiation, primary cells, organoid culture, and single-cell multiomics. Design, execute, and analyze experiments; contribute to manuscripts and progress reports. Collaborate with senior scientists and other research associates in a team-based environment. Maintain accurate records and communicate results effectively.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of directly related work experience or equivalent training.
• Practical knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning, PCR, cellular transfection/transduction, DNA/RNA extraction, flow cytometry, qPCR, immunoblot, immunostaining, and lentiviral generation.
• Sterile technique and mammalian cell culture skills, including experience with human iPSC culture and 3D organoid models.
• Experience writing and analyzing data using R, Python, and Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with word processing and presentation software (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, PowerPoint, Apple Keynote).
• Mathematical skills for data calculations and statistical interpretation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with nuclear gene function in developmental biology.
• Experience with CRISPR strategies to modulate gene function/activity.
• Familiarity with confocal imaging and data analysis (ImageJ, Napari).
• Ability to analyze NGS data and perform complex statistical analyses.
• Experience studying effects of specific genes across cell types and disease areas.
• Library preparation for NGS sequencing, including bulk and single-cell transcriptomics and ATAC.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading health sciences university dedicated to biomedical research, education, and patient care. It is the only UC campus focused exclusively on the health sciences and hosts researchers across diverse disciplines.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Additional Details

Job Code and Payroll Title: SRA 2 NEX. Job Category: Research and Scientific. Bargaining Unit: UPTE-RX. Employee Class: Career. Percentage: 100%.