Associate Specialist- Shain Laboratory

Associate Specialist
- Shain Laboratory

The Shain Laboratory in the UCSF Department of Dermatology is seeking an Associate Specialist to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying skin cancer development. Our research examines how normal melanocytes and keratinocytes acquire mutations and evolve into melanoma and keratinocyte cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. We also study how environmental exposures, cellular context, and preventive interventions influence mutation accumulation and clonal selection in normal skin.

The laboratory integrates experimental and computational approaches, including primary human cell culture, next-generation sequencing, single-cell DNA and RNA sequencing, paired genomic and transcriptomic profiling, spatial transcriptomics, and computational genomics. The laboratory is affiliated with the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and leads a research center within the National Cancer Institute's Human Tumor Atlas Network.

The Associate Specialist will make independent and creative contributions to research projects characterizing the genomic and transcriptomic landscapes of normal skin and skin cancer. The successful candidate will lead or co-lead projects from experimental design through data generation, computational analysis, interpretation, and publication. The position is well suited to a scientist with expertise spanning molecular biology, skin biology, and cancer genomics.

Responsibilities will include:

• Designing and conducting studies of melanocytes, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and skin cancers.
• Isolating and culturing primary human cells and preparing samples for genomic and transcriptomic profiling.
• Performing molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, library preparation, and quality-control assays.
• Applying next-generation sequencing methods, including single-cell, paired genomic/transcriptomic, and spatial transcriptomic approaches.
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining computational workflows for high-throughput sequencing data.
• Analyzing somatic mutations, mutational signatures, gene-expression programs, and spatially resolved molecular data.
• Integrating experimental and computational findings to generate and test biological hypotheses.
• Preparing figures, manuscripts, presentations, and materials supporting research proposals.
• Coordinating collaborative projects and communicating findings to investigators with diverse experimental, computational, and clinical backgrounds.
• Training and mentoring students, research assistants, and other laboratory personnel.
• Maintaining accurate experimental and computational records and adhering to laboratory, data-management, and campus safety policies.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline, or five to ten years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting molecular, cellular, or genomic research.
• Experience with primary cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience generating or analyzing next-generation sequencing data.
• Familiarity with computational analysis of biological data using R, Python, or comparable tools.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, such as contributions to peer-reviewed publications or scientific presentations.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot technical problems, and manage multiple research activities.
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to experimental documentation and data integrity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to adhere to all applicable laboratory and campus safety policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, cancer biology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Postdoctoral or comparable postgraduate research experience.
• Experience in skin biology, pigment cell biology, melanoma, or keratinocyte cancer research.
• Experience isolating or culturing primary…