Junior or Assistant Specialist in Structural Biology

Position Description

The Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking an outstanding and motivated individual to join our cutting- edge research institute aimed at discovering new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The successful incumbent will work as a structural biology junior specialist focused on deciphering the molecular basis for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

This will involve isolating disease-relevant filaments from patient tissue and other systems of interest. They will also prepare samples for TEM and fluorescence microscopy to assist in structural characterization of protein ultrastructures.

The IND cryo-EM facility is state of the art and includes a Titan Krios G4, Glacios, L120C TEM instruments, and a Helios Hydra plasma FIB-SEM. The IND is directed by Nobel Laureate Dr. Stanley Prusiner and located at the Sandler Neurosciences Center at UCSF’s Mission Bay campus, a world-renowned hub of biomedical research and discovery.

The successful applicant will have experience in biochemical, cell biological, and microscopy laboratory techniques. They will be responsible for applying these methods and skills to support drug discovery and other research efforts at the IND. The incumbent will be a skilled communicator and collaborate with team members across disciplines at the IND and UCSF to advance structural biology research efforts to understand the structural basis of neurodegenerative disease-relevant protein macromolecules.

• Possess a high sense of responsibility for his or her own career development, as well as for the wellbeing of our organization.
• Willingness to receive training and guidance from senior investigators.

• Junior Specialist: BA/BS in Biochemistry, or a related Biological Science field or at least four years of research experience.
• Assistant Specialist – A master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or a BA/BS degree in in Biochemistry, or a related Biological Science field with three or more years of research experience.
• Knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge or experience in a research laboratory, biochemistry, cell culture and maintaining biological safety protocols.
• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures in protein biochemistry.
• Computer literacy on both Macintosh and PC, MS-Office suite and basic statistical analysis software.

• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, with experience in protein purification, biochemistry, cell biology, microscopy, or other related techniques.

• Experience in sample preparation for or performance of transmission electron microscopy
• Experience in confocal or cryo-confocal fluorescence microscopy
• Experience in cell sorting
• Experience in mammalian cell culture

• Rank will be commensurate with background, experience, and work history.

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits. Salary is dependent upon experience. See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000–$73,200.

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

• 3 required (contact information only)

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.

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…