Job Details

Application Window

Open date: December 2, 2025

Most recent review date: Friday, Feb 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 2, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Junior or Assistant Specialist

Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable Junior/Assistant Specialist interested in contributing to and gaining experience in human synthetic biology and cell engineering. Under the direction of Professor Wendell Lim, the specialist will apply cutting-edge approaches to develop next generation cell therapies, including smart immune cells designed to recognize and kill cancer cells or to treat other challenging diseases such as autoimmune disease and neurodegeneration. The selected candidate will contribute to a team in the performance of laboratory and investigative procedures by conducting a variety of experimental techniques such as molecular cloning, culture and engineering of primary humans and mouse cells, flow cytometry, and in vivo preclinical mouse models of disease. The successful candidate will receive detailed technical training and will execute cellular assays to collect, analyze and compile data in support of our research. Additionally, the specialist will be expected to assist with managing day-to-day lab operations, perform general lab duties and be a positive lab citizen. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated candidate seeking in-depth experience in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Our mission is to support the development of the next generation of cellular therapies. We engage in translational research in partnership with research groups at UCSF to develop cutting-edge engineered immune cell therapeutics and prepare them for the clinic, as well as develop novel cell technologies for future therapeutic solutions for disorders such as cancer and autoimmunity.

Learn more about our research here:

Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist scientists by performing various investigative procedures and operating a variety of instruments and other scientific equipment. Examples of equipment routinely used are: a. Plate readers for absorbance or luminescence-based assays, b. microscopes for live cell functional studies, c. PCR machines for gene amplification and cloning d. Flow cytometers and cell sorters for single cell analysis and isolation. Our group also leverages preclinical mouse models of cancer and autoimmune disease to test the efficacy of candidate cell therapies.
2. Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data; perform calculations and prepare charts, graphs, and reports. May use software applications to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and test reports.
3. Configure and operate laboratory apparatus and instruments; read and record instrument data; tabulate data keep laboratory records.
4. May order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies.
5. Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions, and present research updates to groups.
6. May maintain bacterial and tissue cultures for experimental purposes.
7. Read literature applicable to research areas as required.
8. Perform the duties of a Laboratory Assistant as required.

Organizational Scope and Impact of Position
Contributes to research results on an on-going basis. Usually conducts routine aspects of research projects. Influences short range and limited scope activities. Errors, though potentially significant, are usually limited in scope due to close supervision of individuals.

Interactions with Others
Organizes projects within workload to ensure goals are met. Meets routinely with supervisor. Contributes to common laboratory tasks and maintenance of shared reagents and materials. Able to train others in specialized tasks within their own area of expertise.

Qualifications
Required:

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a bachelor's of science degree (or equivalent degree) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related field or at least four years of research experience to be appointed at the Junior rank. Knowledge of Immunology is preferable but not required.
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a master's of science degree (or equivalent degree) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related field, or a bachelor's degree with three or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Assistant rank.
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment.
• Candidate's CV must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

Preferred:

• Experience in the design and assembly of DNA constructs (including modern molecular cloning techniques like Golden Gate or Gibson Assembly).
• Experience with viral vectors, transposon vectors and/or CRISPR genome integration techniques for genetic engineering.
• Experience with culture of mammalian cells, including tumor cell lines, primary immune cells (e.g., T cells) and/or stem cells.
• Experience in flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Experience with animal experiments, including mouse tumor models (subcutaneous and intravenous injection).
• Experience in immunology assays, such as cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and general in vitro functional measurements of T cells.
• Experience in fluorescence microscopy and imaging data analysis.

Knowledge/Understanding/Skills & Abilities:

• Generally experienced in laboratory duties, including both principles and practices associated with these duties and an understanding of the underlying scientific principles.
• Ability to draft routine reports and keep accurate records of work performed.
• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.
• Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction. Able to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques.
• Candidates must meet the qualifications at the time of hire. Candidate's CV and/or cover letter must state basic qualification (or if pending) upon submission.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally lifts and/or carries objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Occasionally stoops and bends.
• Occasionally reaches and grasps with arms and hands.
• Work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.
• Long periods of standing and/or sitting.

Please apply online at with a CV, cover letter, and three references.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000-$70,700.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).

• Cover Letter

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco

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 our 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

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