Chen Lab - Research Specialist; Biological and Medical Informatics

Open date: February 20, 2026

Next review date: Saturday, Mar 7, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Aug 20, 2027 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.

Research Specialist (Biological and Medical Informatics) - Chen Lab
University of California, San Francisco
Department of Radiation Oncology

DESCRIPTION

The Chen Laboratory at the University of California, San Francisco is seeking to recruit an outstanding candidate to fill a computational biologist position at the Junior, Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist Level.

Research in the Chen Lab focuses on (1) identifying molecular drivers of prostate cancer pathogenesis, (2) understanding the mechanisms that contribute to disease progression and metastasis, and (3) developing novel therapeutic strategies. Our lab utilizes cancer genomics, cell biology, and other tumor profiling approaches complementary to multiplexed single-cell imaging measured using Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) to answer fundamental questions underlying prostate cancer biology, with the goal of translating discoveries from the lab into the clinic.

We work collaboratively with basic scientists, computational biologists, pathologists, and oncologists at the UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Center.

The role of the Specialist is to both assist with ongoing experiments and, depending on the candidate's skill level, conduct independent research under the guidance of Dr. Chen and other members of the Chen Lab. The Specialist will learn and utilize a variety of research techniques and will have the opportunity to be a co-author on publications.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

* The ideal candidate should have a strong background in bioinformatics, computer science, or computational biology, along with general experience in the life sciences.

* The candidate will contribute to designing and implementing analyses of high-dimensional data (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing, germline (e.g. whole-genome) sequencing (WGS) data, proteomics, digital pathology).

* The candidate will be able to utilize standard bioinformatics tools and databases to uncover biologically meaningful insights that address key research questions.

* The candidate will be expected to work independently with support from team members to complete independent data analysis.

Required qualifications:

* Applicants need to be self-motivated, fast learners, critical thinkers, and enthusiastic about science and medicine.

* Applicants need to work well as part of a team and have outstanding written and oral communication skills.

* Specialists appointed at the Junior rank must possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or 4 years of relevant research experience.

* Specialists appointed at the Assistant rank must possess a master's degree or a baccalaureate degree with 3 or more years of research experience.

* Specialists appointed at the Associate rank must possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or 5-10 years of relevant research experience.

* Specialists appointed at the Full Specialist rank must possess a terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization.

Preferred qualifications:

* Prior independent research experience with standard genomic and transcriptomic analyses.

* Experience implementing and routinely documenting data analysis pipelines for the research

* Experience with cloud-based storage and service tools is essential

* Preference for the Junior Specialist position may be given to applicants interested in pursuing a biomedical sciences PhD or MD/PhD.

Salary and appointment will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and training. This position is available immediately. Please apply online at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
05971. Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable…