Greenhouse Lab - Junior or Assistant Specialist

About the role

The Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine at UCSF is seeking a highly motivated Junior Specialist or Assistant Specialist to join the malaria research laboratory of Dr. Bryan Greenhouse at the EPPIcenter.

Appointment rank will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, and relevant experience.

Areas of Specialization and Responsibilities

• Critical analysis of published literature to guide experimental approach
• Routine performance of molecular assays including nucleic acid extraction, mPCR/PCR and qPCR for detecting and genotyping malaria parasites; targeted amplicon and whole genome sequencing, gene expression, and high throughput serological assays, including bead array and phage immunoprecipitation sequencing.
• Perform statistical analysis of data resulting from laboratory experiments using standardized software and custom bioinformatic scripts. Critically interpret results of analysis to evaluate the quality and validity of laboratory results, determine next steps, and communicate to other team members.
• Culture malaria parasites and develop quality controls using known-quantity whole blood and dried blood spot standards for use across all collaborating laboratories worldwide.
• Operate and troubleshoot shared laboratory equipment: centrifuges, incubators, shakers, Qubit, NanoDrop, TapeStation, and high-throughput robotic liquid handling systems (Echo, Bravo, BenchSmart) for automated library preparation.
• Troubleshoot protocols when results are not as expected, including investigating contamination in PCR, sequencing, and gene expression assays and sequencing quality issues across batches.
• Maintain detailed, accurate records of all experimental design and results in laboratory notebooks or electronic equivalents (e.g., Benchling); interpret results with excellent attention to detail to ensure reproducibility.
• Use proprietary and commercial electronic systems to catalog, track, and manage a biobank of tens of thousands of biological samples; lead efforts to create and populate relational databases with sample metadata.
• Use Asana as a project management/ticketing tool within a scrum workflow to manage complex tasks with upward and downward dependencies; use Slack for communications across a worldwide network of collaborators.
• Produce figures, charts, tables, and data summaries using appropriate visualization tools for local and international audiences.
• Draft reports of problems, methods, results, and tentative conclusions; contribute to co-authorship of manuscripts resulting from research findings.
• Troubleshoot cross-site protocol inconsistencies and develop harmonized standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Train other lab members and trainees on laboratory methods and instrumentation.
• Perform general laboratory duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Junior Specialist:
• Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in biology, molecular biology, or a related science
• Hands-on laboratory experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and next-generation sequencing
• Track record of evaluating scientific literature to guide the course of laboratory investigation
• Demonstrated expertise in evaluating and identifying appropriate laboratory methods to answer particular scientific questions
• Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate the quality and validity of laboratory and analytical results
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to perform multi-step assays on large sample numbers while maintaining accurate, detailed experimental records.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience running command line scripts (e.g., Python or R) for analysis of laboratory data
• Demonstration of excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn new methods and adapt to changing research priorities.
• Assistant Specialist:
• In addition to the above, Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in biology, molecular biology, or a related science, with 3 or more years of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation (short-read and/or long-read platforms), including whole-genome and/or targeted amplicon sequencing.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems, electronic lab notebooks, and relational database management for large-scale sample tracking.
• Prior co-authorship on peer reviewed publication

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation (short-read and/or long-read platforms) and/or NGS data analysis, including whole-genome and/or targeted amplicon sequencing.
• Experience with RNA extraction and expression profiling (bulk and/or single-cell)
• Experience with sterile culture techniques, ideally including malaria parasite and bacteriophage culture
• Experience in protein production and purification
• Experience with mPCR optimization and troubleshooting, particularly with low-biomass or challenging sample types (e.g., dried blood spots).
• Proficiency with DNA/RNA QC instrumentation: Qubit, TapeStation, NanoDrop.
• Experience with multiplexed serological assays (bead-based assays e.g. Luminex, phage-immunoprecipitation sequencing).
• Proficiency with bioinformatics tools and scripting (R/RStudio)
• Advanced knowledge of database software and statistical tools for data analysis and visualization.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems, electronic lab notebooks, and relational database management for large-scale sample tracking.
• Experience with project management platforms
• Prior co-authorship of or contribution to scientific publications.

Compensation

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000-$70,700.

How to Apply

Please apply here. Applicants must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications)
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for 3 references

Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission. The selected candidate must meet all qualifications at the time of appointment.

Additional Information

Appointees in the Specialist series are expected to engage in specialized research and professional activities and do not have formal teaching responsibilities. Specialists are expected to use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions and may participate in University and public service. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed. Salary and rank will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and training.