Research associate (Junior Specialist) position available in cancer immunotherapy at the University of California, San Francisco

Research associate (Junior Specialist) position available in cancer immunotherapy at the University of California, San Francisco

Availability: Summer 2025

Description: We are currently seeking a highly qualified candidate as a research associate (Junior Specialists) in the Dept. of Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. The position will be under the direction of Arun Wiita, MD, PhD. Our lab at UCSF (https://wiitalab.ucsf.edu) focuses on immunotherapy, quantitative proteomics, and bench to bedside applications in blood cancers.

The role will focus on development and optimization of new cellular therapies (CAR-T and/or CAR-NK cells) and conducting preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies of other immunotherapies and small molecules in blood cancers as well as basic molecular biology relating to studies in these diseases. Techniques to be used include basic molecular and cell biology (cloning, Westerns, qPCR, etc.), cell culture, microscopy, and drug screening. Additional techniques will include recombinant protein expression and cellular therapy engineering including CRISPR technologies, in which our group has expertise. The candidate will also be trained in animal handling and performing murine studies. This role will work in close collaboration with the clinical myeloma service at UCSF, one of the largest such programs in the country, as well as other leading clinical and immunotherapy groups at UCSF.

The ideal candidate for this position will be proficient in a highly collaborative environment, working with academic research groups and clinicians as well as with biotech industry partners. Additional responsibilities will include some lab managerial duties such as order tracking, laboratory organization, etc. This position is optimal for talented recent college graduates with the goal of attending medical or graduate school in two years. Extensive opportunities are available for participating in abstracts and publications. Prior post-undergraduate trainees in our group have published first-author papers and moved on to top-tier graduate or medical schools. Candidates should have a strong interest in directly improving patient care through their research and gaining experience in preclinical therapeutic development in cancer.

Qualifications: Qualified applicants will hold a BA, BS, or equivalent from a Dept. of Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or similar or at least four years of research experience by the time of appointment. A bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) is preferred. Strong prior laboratory research experience as an undergraduate is required. Experience in standard molecular biology techniques (as listed above), mammalian cell culture, and cellular viability assays is preferred but not required. Experience with protein expression/purification is preferred but not required. Experience with murine studies and animal handling is preferred but not required. A two-year commitment is required.

Environment: The University of California, San Francisco is a premier academic medical center excelling in both clinical care and basic science research. The Wiita lab in the Dept. of Laboratory Medicine and Dept. of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences is a multidisciplinary research group offering extensive opportunities for training . Our interests span development of novel cancer immunotherapies, mechanistic biology in blood cancers, translational research and drug development in hematologic malignancies, and new technology development combining mass spectrometry-based proteomics, chemical biology, and genome engineering. Dr. Wiita is also a member of the Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub, providing opportunities for collaboration with leading groups across UCSF, Stanford, and Berkeley. The Wiita lab is also a Member of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, a nation-wide network of leading groups focused on harnessing the immune system to eliminate cancer.

Funding: The Wiita lab is currently extensively funded by 12 different federal, state, and private awards as well as philanthropic donations to UCSF. Two years of salary and benefits associated with this position is guaranteed.

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05447, with a CV, cover letter, and contact information for two references.

For other inquiries, please contact arun.wiita@ucsf.edu.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100-$56,600.

• 2 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.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

* "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH

* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

* APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf