Pownall Lab – Full Specialist

About the role

The Pownall Lab at UCSF is seeking a Full Specialist interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling chromatin structure and function in developing zebrafish embryos using advanced microscopy methods.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and perform experiments, including zebrafish breeding and embryo microinjection, mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning and in vitro RNA synthesis, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, expansion microscopy, DNA and RNA FISH, and quantitative image analysis.
• Contribute to the preparation of publications and grant applications.
• Help to oversee day-to-day operations of the lab, including ordering laboratory supplies, maintaining lab organization, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Assist with zebrafish care and husbandry as needed.
• Focus on ChromExM technology development and applications, including managing collaborations to apply ChromExM to other systems and training and mentoring lab members and collaborators.
• Operate with a high degree of independence, including taking ownership of experimental direction, troubleshooting, and execution with minimal oversight.

Requirements

• PhD degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology or a closely related field (e.g., genetics, cell biology) or ten or more years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in vertebrate embryology (fish, frog, or mouse).
• Broad expertise in advanced microscopy.
• A record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with super-resolution microscopy (SMLM, STED, SIM, etc.).
• Candidates with experience in highly collaborative environments and a track record of training and mentoring others will be preferred.
• Strong initiative in independently identifying, prioritizing, and communicating experimental and organization needs.
• Extremely detail-oriented, highly organized, collaborative, and enjoy protocol development.

Benefits

This position is expected to start no later than September 2026. The salary range for this position is $93,200-$194,800.