University of California, San Francisco
Department of Medicine-Hematology/Oncology

Junior, Assistant, Associate, or Full Level Specialist- Advanced Prostate Cancer Research Program

The Advanced Prostate Cancer Research Program (Small Laboratory) at the University of California, San Francisco is seeking to recruit an outstanding candidate to fill a Research Specialist position at the Junior, Assistant, Associate, or Full Level. The ideal candidate will be able to reliably perform next generation sequencing (NGS) operations for ongoing clinical trials in metastatic prostate cancer. The candidate will also independently develop, implement, and manage new techniques in genomics, transcriptomics and epigenomics applied to small clinical specimens. Applicants should be well organized, focused on technical precision and reproducibility, and demonstrate independence and responsibility for their workflows. The position will also involve teamwork across numerous areas of expertise including clinical research management, NGS and other molecular workflows, and computational biology.

Research in the laboratory focuses on (1) identifying molecular drivers of prostate cancer pathogenesis, (2) understanding the mechanisms that contribute to disease progression and metastasis, and (3) developing novel therapeutic strategies. Our lab utilizes cancer genomics, cell biology, CRISPR screening, and mouse modeling approaches to answer fundamental questions underlying prostate cancer biology, with the goal of translating discoveries from the lab into the clinic.

A milestone of our research program is our report on whole-genome and whole-transcriptome analysis of 101 castration-resistant prostate cancer metastases and published in the journal Cell (PMID: 30033370, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2018.06.039). This study identified associations between distinct DNA repair alterations and classes of structural variants, enhancer amplifications that drive common oncogenes, and novel gene fusions involving coding and noncoding genes.

We work collaboratively with basic scientists, computational biologists, pathologists, and oncologists at the UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Center.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Working both independently and collaboratively to develop and complete research projects associated with our liquid and solid tumor biopsy program.
* Perform next generation sequencing (NGS) library preparations with high precision and reproducibility with some degree of autonomy
* Work with an automated liquid handling system for some lab operations including NGS library generation and nucleic acid extraction from clinical samples.
* Perform precise technical protocols for nucleic acid extraction from small, challenging clinical specimens.
* Work independently with high precision, organization and reproducibility in clinical research workflows.
* Develop protocols for emerging methodologies in RNA, DNA, and epigenomic spaces, applied to small clinical specimens.
* Manage projects that stem from our clinical research program, including coordination with biopsy operations at remote sites, local biorepository operations, and coordination with UCSF researchers and collaborating outside labs for sample acquisition and processing.

Required qualifications:
* Applicants need to be self-motivated, fast learners, critical thinkers, and enthusiastic about science and medicine.
* Demonstrated ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
* Strong ability to problem solve and troubleshoot experiments.
* Applicants will need to be highly technical and detail oriented.
* Specialists appointed at:
o Junior rank must possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or 4 years of relevant research experience.
o Assistant rank must possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or 5 years of relevant research experience.
o Associate rank must possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or 5-10 years of relevant research experience.
o Full rank must possess a PhD degree or at least ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization.

Preferred qualifications:
* Experience developing and running NGS workflows
* Previous work with clinical specimens, specifically frozen tissue and blood-based derivatives is a plus
* Experience with RNA handling and processing and clean PCR practices.
* Prior experience in lab organization and project management, particularly with bridging multiple areas of expertise (clinical research, molecular lab operations, computational biology)
* Demonstrated prior success and independence with technical protocols, critical problem solving skills and project management.
* Experience with automated liquid handlers is a plus.
* Any experience with histology and clinical specimen management and handling

Salary and appointment will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and training. This position is available immediately. Interested candidates should apply via the UCSF Academic Personnel URL:

https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF03574

Please submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for three references. Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

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, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy found here: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19.

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.