Lab Assistant Pediatrics

About the role

The Cromer Lab, part of the UCSF research community, focuses on genome engineering and synthetic biology approaches to understand and control human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) biology. The lab develops and applies CRISPR-based functional genomics tools, including pooled screening approaches, to identify genetic regulators of erythropoiesis and enable scalable production and engineering of red blood cells for therapeutic applications.

Responsibilities

• Prepare standardized media, reagents and solutions from formulas for clinical and research use.
• Prepare bacterial and viral filters; wash glassware in the appropriate manner.
• Keep laboratory facilities clean and sanitary.
• General laboratory maintenance and ordering of supplies.
• Execute and troubleshoot complex experimental workflows involving human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) culture, genome editing, and high-throughput CRISPR screening.
• Support lentiviral library production, transduction of primary cells, and downstream phenotypic and molecular analyses.
• Contribute to advancing efforts to develop next-generation cell therapies through precise and scalable genome engineering.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on experience with human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) culture and erythroid differentiation, including cytokine-driven protocols and optimization of maturation and enucleation.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry for assessing cell phenotype, differentiation efficiency, and reporter-based readouts.
• Experience with lentiviral production and transduction in primary human cells.
• A strong background in CRISPR-based genome engineering, including design, cloning, and execution of pooled CRISPR screens (e.g., CRISPRa/i libraries).
• Competence in core molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, plasmid preparation, sequencing validation).
• Experience working with primary human cells, including CD34⁺ HSPC isolation or enrichment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute and troubleshoot complex experimental workflows.
• Ability to organize data and keep detailed records.
• Proficiency with software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Demonstrate excellent attendance and reliability.
• Precise attention to detail.