Assistant Specialist - Shy Lab

Assistant Specialist – Shy Lab

The Department of Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking a motivated Assistant Specialist to join the Shy Lab. The Shy Lab integrates basic research, pre-clinical development, and clinical translation to advance next-generation cell and gene therapies for direct patient application.

The Assistant Specialist will contribute to a basic research team focused on developing improved tools for cellular engineering and addressing current challenges in cell therapy manufacturing, particularly in non-viral CAR-T platforms.

• Design and execute experiments to investigate and address factors influencing non-viral CAR-T cell production, including efficiency, scalability, and cytotoxicity.
• Perform CRISPR-based screening approaches to identify novel factors impacting cell therapy manufacturing processes, and validate findings through follow-up and mechanistic studies.
• Develop and optimize strategies and tools to improve cellular engineering and non-viral CAR-T manufacturing platforms.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data in a clear and organized manner.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure data integrity in accordance with institutional and laboratory guidelines.
• Contribute to the preparation of experimental designs, protocols, and manuscripts for scientific publications.
• Collaborate with members of a multidisciplinary research team to advance cell and gene therapy research.
• Contribute to the identification and exploration of new scientific questions and research directions.

• A master's degree (or equivalent) in Biological Sciences, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field, or a bachelor's degree with three years or more of research experience.
• Hands-on experience with tissue culture techniques and basic molecular and cellular biology methods.
• Foundational knowledge of immunology and/or cell biology principles.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and assist in identifying and addressing research challenges.

• Experience with genome engineering techniques (e.g., CRISPR/Cas editing, CRISPR interference, CRISPR activation).
• Experience with CRISPR-based screening approaches.
• Experience working with primary T cells or T cell engineering technologies.

Applicants must apply online with a CV, cover letter, and the contact information for one reference. Application materials must list pending qualifications. Candidates must have required qualifications by time of hire.

Document requirements:

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

Reference requirements:

• 1 required (contact information only).

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $65,800 – $73,200.

San Francisco, CA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with its PRIDE values and Principles of Community.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct. Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy. UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. APM - 035:
Affidavit Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.