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

Availability: Summer/Fall 2021

Description: We are currently seeking a highly qualified candidate as a research associate (Junior Specialist) 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 focuses on immunotherapy, quantitative proteomics, and bench to bedside applications in multiple myeloma, the second most common blood cancer in the United States.

The role will focus on conducting preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies of therapeutic immunotherapies and small molecules in myeloma as well as basic molecular biology relating to studies in this disease. Techniques to be used include basic molecular and cell biology (cloning, Westerns, qPCR, etc.), cell culture, microscopy, and drug screening. Additional techniques to be applied include mass spectrometry-based proteomics and engineering and recombinant expression of novel therapeutic antibodies and cellular therapies, in which the Wiita lab has significant expertise. This role will work in close collaboration with the clinical myeloma service at UCSF, one of the largest such programs in the country.

The ideal candidate for this position will be proficient in a highly collaborative environment, working with academic research groups and myeloma 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 a talented recent college graduate 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, Computer Science, or similar. 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 “omics” techniques and associated data analysis are preferred though not required. Experience with protein expression/purification is preferred but not required. Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment. Candidate’s CV and/or cover letter must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission. 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 first position is affiliated with the UCSF Stephen and Nancy Grand Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative, a collaborative network of research labs and clinicians at UCSF. The Wiita lab in the Dept. of Laboratory Medicine 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.

Funding: The Wiita lab is currently funded by a combination of federal and private awards. Two years of salary and benefits associated with this position is guaranteed.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service that 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.

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF03274, with a CV, cover letter, and two reference contacts.