Associate or Specialist – Liu lab

Associate or Full Specialist – Liu Lab

The Specialist will execute a research program at the intersection of RNA-based nanomedicine, CRISPR epigenome editing, and neuro-oncology, embedded within a cross-institutional collaboration between UCSF Brain Tumor Center and UC Berkeley.

The Specialist will execute a research program at the intersection of RNA-based nanomedicine, CRISPR epigenome editing, and neuro-oncology, embedded within a cross-institutional collaboration between UCSF Brain Tumor Center and UC Berkeley.

• Design, synthesis, and biological optimization of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for intracranial delivery of CRISPR‑based mRNA and sgRNA therapeutics targeting drivers of brain tumors.
• Execution of pooled in vivo screens using patient‑derived GBM xenografts and local delivery methods including convection‑enhanced delivery (CED) and intracranial injection, to identify LNP candidates for brain tumor RNA delivery.
• Assessment of anti‑tumor efficacy of LNP constructs in GBM primary cultures, orthotopic xenograft models, and ex vivo patient‑derived tissue explant cultures. Endpoints include bisulfite sequencing, RT‑qPCR, DNA allele‑specific methylation sequencing, bioluminescence imaging, tissue and animal survival.
• Application of spatial genomics to characterize tumor microenvironment responses to LNP treatment in GBM xenografts and patient tissue models.
• Preparation and submission of peer‑reviewed manuscripts and grant applications.
• Presentation of research findings at national and international conferences.
• Mentorship of graduate students and junior research staff within the laboratory.
• Collaboration with investigators at UC Berkeley on LNP chemistry design and delivery modalities, and with UCSF clinician‑scientists on patient‑derived GBM model development and clinical trial translation.

• Associate Specialist – Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant biological, biomedical, or bioengineering discipline (e.g., cancer biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, bioengineering, or closely related field) or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Full Specialist – terminal degree (or equivalent) in a relevant biological, biomedical, or bioengineering discipline (e.g., cancer biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, bioengineering, or closely related field) or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Demonstrated expertise in nanoparticle‑based nucleic acid delivery, including design, formulation, and biological characterization of lipid nanoparticles or polymeric nanoparticles for siRNA or mRNA delivery.
• Expertise with in vitro brain cancer cell biology assays and in vivo mouse tumor models.
• Track record of independent, first‑author research in peer‑reviewed journals in cancer or translational medicine fields.

• Experience with CRISPR‑based tools, epigenetic editing platforms (e.g., CRISPRoff, dCas9‑based transcriptional repressors), or mRNA therapeutic design and in vitro transcription (IVT).
• Familiarity with aerosol or local delivery strategies for RNA therapeutics, including convection‑enhanced delivery (CED) or intracranial injection in rodent models.
• Experience with primary patient‑derived cancer cultures, organoids, or ex vivo tissue explant models, particularly in glioblastoma or pediatric brain tumor contexts.
• Experience with next‑generation sequencing‑based readouts including methylation sequencing (bisulfite or Oxford Nanopore), RNA‑seq, or barcode sequencing for pooled in vivo screens.
• Experience with spatial transcriptomics platforms (e.g., Visium, Open‑ST, MERFISH) or single‑cell genomics.
• Track record of peer‑reviewed first‑author publications in high‑impact journals; record of national or international conference presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to independently write and contribute to competitive grant applications.
• Experience mentoring students or junior researchers in a laboratory setting.
• Record of cross‑disciplinary or multi‑institutional collaboration.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $75,600…