Associate or Full Specialist – Liu lab

About the role

The Specialist will execute a research program at the intersection of RNA-based nanomedicine, CRISPR epigenome editing, and neuro-oncology, embedded within a cross-institutional collaboration between UCSF Brain Tumor Center and UC Berkeley.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesis, and biological optimization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for intracranial delivery of CRISPR-based mRNA and sgRNA therapeutics targeting drivers of brain tumors.
• Execution of pooled in vivo screens using patient-derived GBM xenografts and local delivery methods including convection-enhanced delivery (CED) and intracranial injection, to identify LNP candidates for brain tumor RNA delivery.
• Assessment of anti-tumor efficacy of LNP constructs in GBM primary cultures, orthotopic xenograft models, and ex vivo patient-derived tissue explant cultures. Endpoints include bisulfite sequencing, RT-qPCR, DNA allele-specific methylation sequencing, bioluminescence imaging, tissue and animal survival.
• Application of spatial genomics to characterize tumor microenvironment responses to LNP treatment in GBM xenografts and patient tissue models.
• Preparation and submission of peer-reviewed manuscripts and grant applications.
• Presentation of research findings at national and international conferences.
• Mentorship of graduate students and junior research staff within the laboratory.
• Collaboration with investigators at UC Berkeley on LNP chemistry design and delivery modalities, and with UCSF clinician-scientists on patient-derived GBM model development and clinical trial translation.

Requirements

• Associate Specialist - Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) in a relevant biological, biomedical, or bioengineering discipline (e.g., cancer biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, bioengineering, or closely related field) or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Full Specialist - terminal degree (or equivalent degree) in a relevant biological, biomedical, or bioengineering discipline (e.g., cancer biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, bioengineering, or closely related field) or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Demonstrated expertise in nanoparticle-based nucleic acid delivery, including design, formulation, and biological characterization of lipid nanoparticles or polymeric nanoparticles for siRNA or mRNA delivery.
• Expertise with in vitro brain cancer cell biology assays and in vivo mouse tumor models.
• Track record of independent, first-author research in peer-reviewed journals in cancer or translational medicine fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CRISPR-based tools, epigenetic editing platforms (e.g., CRISPRoff, dCas9-based transcriptional repressors), or mRNA therapeutic design and in vitro transcription (IVT).
• Familiarity with aerosol or local delivery strategies for RNA therapeutics, including convection-enhanced delivery (CED) or intracranial injection in rodent models.
• Experience with primary patient-derived cancer cultures, organoids, or ex vivo tissue explant models, particularly in glioblastoma or pediatric brain tumor contexts.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing-based readouts including methylation sequencing (bisulfite or Oxford Nanopore), RNA-seq, or barcode sequencing for pooled in vivo screens.
• Experience with spatial transcriptomics platforms (e.g., Visium, Open-ST, MERFISH) or single-cell genomics.
• Track record of peer-reviewed first-author publications in high-impact journals; record of national or international conference presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to independently write and contribute to competitive grant applications.
• Experience mentoring students or junior researchers in a laboratory setting.
• Record of cross-disciplinary or multi-institutional collaboration.

Benefits

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $75,600 - $194,800.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)
• 3 required (contact information only)