Specialist in Structural Biology

Specialist in Structural Biology

The Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking an outstanding and motivated individual to join our cutting‑edge research institute focused on discovering new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The successful incumbent will work as a structural biology specialist focused on deciphering the structural basis for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

This will involve solving high‑resolution cryo‑EM and/or cryo‑ET structures of disease‑relevant filaments, including co‑structures with therapeutic targets.

The IND cryo‑EM facility is state of the art and includes a Titan Krios G4, Glacios, and L120C TEM instruments, as well as a Helios Hydra plasma FIB‑SEM. The IND is directed by Nobel Laureate Dr. Stanley Prusiner and located at the Sandler Neurosciences Center at UCSF’s Mission Bay campus, a world‑renowned hub of biomedical research and discovery.

The successful applicant will be an expert structural biology researcher with experience in the determination of atomic‑resolution structures of protein macromolecules. They will be responsible for applying these methods and skills to support drug discovery and other research efforts at the IND. The incumbent will be a skilled communicator and collaborate with team members across disciplines at the IND and UCSF to advance cryo‑EM research efforts to understand the structural basis of neurodegenerative disease‑relevant protein macromolecules.

Required Personal Qualifications

• Possess a high sense of responsibility for one’s own career development, as well as for the well‑being of our organization.
• Willingness to receive training and guidance from senior investigators as well as serve as a mentor to trainees on the project.

Required Education and Training Qualifications

• Junior Specialist – Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biophysics, or related field, or at least four years of research experience.
• Assistant Specialist – Master’s degree or a baccalaureate degree with three or more years of research experience.
• Associate Specialist – Master’s degree (or equivalent) with five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Full Specialist – terminal degree (or equivalent) with ten or more years of experience.

Required Technical Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in cryo‑EM or cryo‑ET (sample preparation, microscope operation, data collection, computational analysis, and 3D structure determination of protein macromolecules) OR 2+ years of experience in high‑resolution protein structure determination using X‑ray crystallography or NMR with additional exposure to cryo‑EM methodology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Biophysics, or related field.
• Experience with cryo‑EM data‑collection and processing software including Serial
  
  EM, EPU, Scipion, RELION, cryo
  
  SPARC or related package.
• Experience in cryo‑ET sample preparation, data collection, and/or data processing.
• Experience in protein expression, purification, and biochemistry OR purification of amyloid filaments from human and/or animal tissue.
• Experience modeling protein‑ligand complexes, including the use of Phenix, COOT, or related software.
• Experience with density functional theory (DFT) or other computational modeling methods.

Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment. Application materials must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

This is a full‑time position with excellent benefits. Salary is dependent upon experience. Rank will be commensurate with background, experience, and work history. Salary range: $55,000–$194,800.

Application: please apply online at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
05834, with a CV, cover letter, and 3 references.

Document requirements:
Curriculum Vitae (clearly list current and/or pending qualifications). Cover Letter. Reference Requirements: 3 required references (contact information only).

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University…