Junior Specialist - Steinhart lab

Junior Specialist - Steinhart Lab

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is recruiting a Junior Specialist to assist with immuno‑oncology projects. The Steinhart Lab recently launched at the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC) at UCSF Mission Bay in February 2026. We study the genetics underlying tumor‑immune interactions and use this knowledge to discover and develop novel immunotherapies for Head and Neck Cancer and other cancers.

The Junior Specialist will work with lab members to conduct tissue processing and culturing, molecular cloning, sample preparation for genomic analyses, and perform immunology and biochemistry/cell‑biology experiments. The specialist will also assist with study design, data analysis and interpretation, and help revise plans for future experiments.

• Conducting experiments under the guidance of senior laboratory members.
• Independent execution of established workflows (after training), including tissue culture, tissue processing, molecular biology (cloning, sequencing, sample preparation), and flow cytometry.
• Perform basic calculations for dilutions, cell counts, and experimental setup.
• Analyse data, interpret results, and present findings to lab members.
• Discuss results with the supervisor and senior lab members and participate in experiment design.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, buffers, aliquots, etc.
• Assist with general lab organization.
• Maintain clear laboratory records and organization.

• Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a related field, or at least four years of research experience.
• Minimum 1 year of laboratory research experience (e.g., undergraduate research lab, full‑time research assistantship) with hands‑on bench work.
• Ability to follow written protocols, maintain careful documentation, and perform experiments with attention to detail and reproducibility.
• Proficiency in basic laboratory technique including accurate pipetting, solution/buffer preparation, dilutions, and calculations.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong commitment to laboratory safety and quality control.

• Experience in oncology and/or immunology.
• CRISPR engineering and screening.
• Molecular cloning.
• Tissue processing.
• Flow cytometry.
• Sample preparation for genomics experiments (e.g., sequencing).
• Computational analysis of genomics datasets.

Salary range: $55,000 – $58,600.

Location:

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.