Job Details

Specialist in Structural Biology

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 focused on discovering new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The successful incumbent will work as a structural biology specialist focused on deciphering the structural basis for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD). This will involve solving high‑resolution cryo‑EM and/or cryo‑ET structures of disease‑relevant filaments, including co‑structures with therapeutic targets.

The IND cryo‑EM facility is state of the art and includes a Titan Krios G4, Glacios, and L120C TEM instruments, as well as 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 be an expert structural biology researcher with experience in the determination of atomic‑resolution structures of protein macromolecules. 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 cryo‑EM research efforts to understand the structural basis of neurodegenerative disease‑relevant protein macromolecules.

Required Personal Qualifications

• Possess a high sense of responsibility for one's own career development, as well as for the well‑being of our organization.
• Willingness to receive training and guidance from senior investigators as well as serve as a mentor to trainees on the project.

Required Education and Training Qualifications

• Junior Specialist – Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biophysics, or related field, or at least four years of research experience.
• Assistant Specialist – Master's degree or a baccalaureate degree with three or more years of research experience.
• Associate Specialist – Master's degree (or equivalent) with five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Full Specialist – terminal degree (or equivalent) with ten or more years of experience.

Required Technical Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in cryo‑EM or cryo‑ET (sample preparation, microscope operation, data collection, computational analysis, and 3D structure determination of protein macromolecules) OR 2+ years of experience in high‑resolution protein structure determination using X‑ray crystallography or NMR with additional exposure to cryo‑EM methodology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Biophysics, or related field.
• Experience with cryo‑EM data‑collection and processing software including SerialEM, EPU, Scipion, RELION, cryoSPARC or related package.
• Experience in cryo‑ET sample preparation, data collection, and/or data processing.
• Experience in protein expression, purification, and biochemistry OR purification of amyloid filaments from human and/or animal tissue.
• Experience modeling protein‑ligand complexes, including the use of Phenix, COOT, or related software.
• Experience with density functional theory (DFT) or other computational modeling methods.

Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment. Application materials must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

This is a full‑time position with excellent benefits. Salary is dependent upon experience. Rank will be commensurate with background, experience, and work history. Salary range: $55,000–$194,800.

Application: please apply online at with a CV, cover letter, and 3 references.

Document requirements: Curriculum Vitae (clearly list current and/or pending qualifications). Cover Letter. Reference Requirements: 3 required references (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 state or federal law.

UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with its PRIDE values and Principles of Community.

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.

“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, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy; UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy; APM - 035:affirmative action and nondiscrimination in employment.

San Francisco, CA