Research Associate, Clinical Research, Research Scientist

Overview

Job Summary The Steinhart Lab in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is recruiting a Staff Research Associate II (SRA II) to assist with immuno-oncology projects. The Steinhart Lab is launching at the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC) at UCSF Mission Bay in February 2026. We aim to study the genetics underlying tumor-immune interactions and apply this understanding to discover and develop novel immunotherapies for Head and Neck Cancer and other cancers.

To do so, we will be working with surgeons to study primary human tumor tissue and apply cutting-edge CRISPR and single-cell techniques to interrogate gene function in primary cells. We are recruiting an SRA to assist with projects across the lab and perform lab management duties. The SRA will work with lab members to conduct tissue processing and culturing experiments, complete molecular biology experiments, and sample preparation for genomic analyses.

Furthermore, the Staff Research Associate will assist with lab management duties such as purchasing and inventory management and management of lab equipment. The candidate is expected to have a strong background in biological wet-lab techniques, strong ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, be open to learning new methods. The SRA position represents an excellent opportunity for the incumbent to develop laboratory, research, and laboratory management skills in a collaborative translational research environment.

The successful applicant will be an energetic, motivated, team player, self-directed learner with a keen interest in research.

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification  positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

The salary range for this position is $28.04 - $45.09 (Hourly Rate).

Department Description

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UCSF combines superior resident and medical student training with the highest quality of patient care and innovative research. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) provides service and conducts research for UCSF’s five integrated facilities:
Mission Bay Hospitals, Moffitt/Long Hospitals, San Francisco General Hospital, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Mt. Zion Medical Center.

• Assist with projects across the lab and perform lab management duties (purchasing, inventory management, and equipment management).
• Conduct tissue processing and culturing experiments, complete molecular biology experiments, and sample preparation for genomic analyses.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Thorough and accurate record-keeping skills
• A strong commitment to laboratory safety and quality control
• Excellent organization, problem-solving, verbal/written communication
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 years of research experience in a relevant laboratory setting.
• 1-2 years of experience with mammalian tissue culture and excellent sterile technique
• Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, Immunology, Cancer, or a related field
• Prior relevant laboratory experience in immunology, cancer, genome engineering, cell therapies, or a related field.
• Experience in CRISPR engineering and/or CRISPR screens
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as PCR, qPCR, cloning, gene editing, cell culture, flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, single-cell RNA-sequencing.
• Experience in tissue processing for culture and/or single-cell analysis
• Computational analysis of genomics datasets

About UCSF The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health.

We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to…