Junior or Assistant Research Specialist - Ashworth Lab

Position Description

The Ashworth Laboratory at UCSF is looking for a Junior/Assistant Research Specialist to join our team. The selected candidate will conduct research under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Rickman and members of the Ashworth Lab. The lab utilizes functional genomics, cell biology, CRISPR, small‑molecule screens, and mouse modeling to explore how genetics influence tumor response. The successful applicant will contribute to a project that investigates novel approaches to targeting DNA‑repair vulnerabilities in tumors and may become a co‑author on publications.

• Willingness and ability to learn a spectrum of new methods and skills
• Perform mammalian tissue culture, CRISPR engineering, and generation of stable cell lines; conduct in vitro and cellular assays
• Use molecular biology techniques including basic cloning, plasmid design and preparation, DNA extraction, immunofluorescence, western blotting, flow cytometry, etc.
• Conduct immunocompetent mouse allograft studies and assist with mouse colony management when needed
• Assist with laboratory maintenance duties

• One year or more of research experience in a wet‑lab setting
• Must be able/willing to perform animal experiments
• Strong organizational skills and ability to document experiments
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Self‑motivated, fast learner, critical thinker, enthusiastic about science and medicine
• For the junior rank: possession of a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology or a related field by the time of hire
• For the assistant rank: possession of a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology or a related field by the time of hire
• Applicants must list current and/or pending qualifications in their materials

• Experience with mouse handling
• Experience with mammalian tissue culture and flow cytometry
• Experience performing basic molecular biology techniques such as molecular cloning, nucleic acid isolation, PCR, etc.
• Experience with molecular cloning

$55,000 – $70,700 (See Table 24B for the salary range for this position).

• Curriculum Vitae – must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (optional)
• Statement of Teaching (optional)

• Three required references (contact information only)

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 University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining misconduct.

San Francisco, CA