Alba Lab - Assistant, Associate, or Specialist

Position Description

Specialist (Assistant, Associate or Full)

A Specialist position is now open for the Alba laboratory at the UCSF Division of Endocrinology at Zuckerberg San Francisco General. The Alba lab research focuses on understanding how maladaptive responses among cells in adipose tissue lead to inflammation and fibrosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that control fat mass is essential for identifying how obesity develops and its related pathologies.

The candidate will contribute to team-oriented lab work using spectral flow cytometry, cell culture, PCR, and high-throughput proteomic platforms, as well as preparation/maintenance of lab reagents, culture media, and other general lab management duties. The candidate will be expected to contribute to the preparation of research manuscripts for publication. In addition, the candidate will have opportunities to undertake independent research projects and will be trained in relevant data analysis techniques.

Required skills include high-parameter flow cytometry, basic molecular techniques such as PCR and ELISA, cell culture, data management, and basic statistical analysis. Superb oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well as a member of a team are required. Good oral/written communication skills, creative problem‑solving flexibility, and the ability to integrate detailed analysis into a larger disease‑oriented context will be expected.

• Assistant Specialist – must have or be in process of obtaining a master’s degree or a baccalaureate degree with 3 or more years of research experience.
• Associate Specialist – must have or be in process of obtaining a master’s degree (or equivalent) or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Full Specialist – must have or be in process of obtaining a terminal degree (or equivalent) or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Individuals must also be familiar with basic metabolic and immunological principles as well as experimental techniques including immunofluorescence imaging, high‑parameter flow cytometry, molecular, biochemical, and functional assays, as well as methods to assess systemic and tissue/cellular metabolism.
• Required skills include high‑parameter flow cytometry, basic molecular techniques such as PCR and ELISA, cell culture, data management, and basic statistical analysis.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Problem‑solver with a positive attitude, capable of designing and performing experiments, critically analyzing data, and assuming primary responsibility for communicating scientific results, all with a high level of independence and an ability to benefit from focused feedback.

• Transcriptomic and bioinformatic skills to address key questions within the scope of the proposed work are a plus.
• Applicants with significant experience with multi‑channel flow cytometry or FACS, advanced microscopy and image analysis, or in‑vivo imaging or localization studies are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience with R and STATA programming is preferred.
• Experience with single‑cell sequencing platforms and data analysis is highly desirable.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience is desired.

Please apply online at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
05966. Applicants’ materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $63,500–$194,800.

• Curriculum Vitae – CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g., board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• 3–5 required (contact information only)

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be…