Padmanabhan Lab – Junior Specialist

About the role

The Padmanabhan Laboratory in the Division of Cardiology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is recruiting a Junior Specialist (Step 1) to support research investigating gene regulatory and epigenetic mechanisms that control cardiac development, cardiomyocyte identity, and cardiovascular disease.

Responsibilities

• Culture, genetically manipulate, and maintain mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells and human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells, employing advanced genetic modification techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Perform directed differentiation protocols to derive atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes from hiPS and mES cell lines, optimizing conditions to achieve high differentiation efficiency and reproducibility.
• Assist in the design, generation, troubleshooting, and validation of novel genotyping strategies for newly engineered mouse alleles and genetically modified cell lines.
• Evaluate and quantify gene expression using quantitative PCR (qPCR), including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, primer optimization, assay validation, data normalization, and interpretation of results.
• Plan and assist with timed matings; perform careful dissection of mouse dams to isolate embryos at defined developmental stages.
• Conduct rapid DNA extraction and accurate PCR-based genotyping of mouse embryos immediately following collection to determine genotype and suitability for downstream experiments.
• Prepare embryonic and adult tissues for histologic and microscopic evaluation, including tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and image acquisition.
• Perform a broad range of molecular biology and biochemical techniques including molecular cloning, plasmid preparation and validation, PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and basic chromatin assays (e.g., ChIP).
• Support viral vector preparation and use (e.g., lentivirus or AAV) for in vitro and in vivo genetic manipulation under supervision.
• Maintain a mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, health monitoring, record keeping, and adherence to institutional animal care and use guidelines.
• Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory notebooks in compliance with institutional and funding agency requirements.
• Organize, label, and store biological samples, reagents, and experimental data to ensure reproducibility and data integrity.
• Assist with basic data analysis, organization of results into tables and figures, and preparation of summaries for lab meetings and ongoing manuscripts.
• Collaborate effectively with laboratory members and external collaborators to execute experiments, troubleshoot protocols, and support multiple ongoing research projects.
• Support general laboratory operations including reagent ordering, inventory management, protocol documentation, and maintenance of shared laboratory resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• At least one year of hands-on experience working in an academic or industry research laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and biochemical assays.
• Familiarity with mouse models, including handling, breeding, genotyping, and colony maintenance.
• Ability to follow complex experimental protocols, troubleshoot technical issues, and generate reliable data.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated motivation to learn new experimental techniques and contribute to ongoing research projects.
• Interest in contributing to the full research cycle, including experimental execution, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.