Vilarinho Lab - Junior or Assistant Specialist

About the role

The Vilarinho Laboratory at UCSF is seeking a highly motivated and creative Junior or Assistant Specialist who is passionate about advancing our understanding of liver biology and liver disease through human genetics, genomics, and mechanistic studies. This position will contribute to mouse-related research crucial to advance our knowledge of liver endothelial cell homeostasis and its impact in liver health and disease. Flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and molecular biology techniques will be used regularly. Our laboratory is integrated within the UCSF Liver Center, which we work closely with. Our research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern liver function in health and disease, with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic targets and developing precision medicine approaches for patients with liver disorders. We leverage human genetics and genomics, coupled with deeply phenotyped cohorts, to discover novel disease-causing genes and pathways. Using a combination of cellular and animal models, molecular biology, and biochemical approaches, we investigate how genetic variation leads to liver disease. Through these studies, we not only provide genetic diagnoses that can inform patient care and therapeutic development but also gain fundamental insights into liver biology.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to mouse-related research to advance knowledge of liver endothelial cell homeostasis and its impact on liver health and disease.
• Perform flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology techniques regularly.
• Willing to work periodic evenings and/or weekends to accommodate the needs of in vivo experiments.

Requirements

• Junior Specialist – Must possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least 4 years of relevant research experience.
• Assistant Specialist – Must possess a Master’s degree or a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) with 3 or more years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of chemistry, sufficient to prepare and pH laboratory solutions.
• Ability and skills to perform mouse‑related experimental work.

Skills

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in laboratory research, specifically with mouse experiments, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology techniques (preferred).

Pay

A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$73,200.