Professional Researcher-Roybal Lab

Application Window

Open date: September 25, 2024.

Most recent review date: Friday, Feb 28, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Mar 25, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Professional Researcher
- Roybal Lab

Department of Microbiology & Immunology

University of California, San Francisco

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is now recruiting a Professional Researcher. The mission of the UCSF Leiomyosarcoma Cell Therapy Initiative is to support the development of the next generation of cellular therapies to treat this disease. In the Roybal Lab, we engage in translational research in partnership with research groups at UCSF to develop cutting‑edge engineered T cell therapeutics and prepare them for the clinic, as well as develop novel cell technologies for future therapeutic solutions.

We are seeking applications for Assistant, Associate, or Senior Researchers to lead early‑stage pre‑clinical development of novel T cell therapeutic circuits for the treatment of Leiomyosarcoma. This work will range from proof‑of‑concept studies to IND enabling studies for a phase I clinical trial. This is an excellent opportunity to learn cutting‑edge engineered T cell cancer therapy from leading experts in the field and gain highly sought after pre‑clinical development experience in the field of cell therapy.

The successful candidate will perform experimental work on protein engineering, primary human T cell culture, lentiviral transduction, and mouse tumor models. The candidate's main responsibilities will include: a) novel assay development, b) in‑vitro T cell circuit design and validation, c) establishment of in‑vivo tumor models, d) compiling pre‑clinical results to support the designation of clinical vector design, and e) leading the in‑vitro and in‑vivo pharmacology characterization of therapeutic product candidates in collaboration with a process development team towards an IND filling.

The Initiative Assistant/Associate/Senior Researcher will work with assigned Junior Specialists, other staff in the Roybal Lab and collaborators in developing the necessary assays, protocols and SOPs and execute the experimental work, data analysis and report their findings in presentations and progress reports.

• A doctorate or its equivalent with 2+ years related experience in cellular Biology, immunology, or a related field;
• Experience with human and mouse T cell isolation and culture.
• Experience with T cell therapy development and extensive understanding in techniques such as CAR construct design and cloning, viral (lenti and AAV) vector development, T cell engineering and CRISPR gene editing, cell therapy candidate selection.
• Experience with in vitro and in vivo tumor model development, building and testing of therapeutic T cells.
• Experience with managing projects and timelines, proactively identifying potential research issues and troubleshooting.
• Able to train junior associates and productively manage project progress.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Associate and Full ranks – the candidate will be expected to possess unique and essential research expertise, make meritorious contributions in independent and creative research activity and participate in university and/or public service.
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment. Application materials must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

• Track record of independent research.
• History of potential to develop a sustained source of research funding.
• Comp…