Staff Research Associate III

Position Overview: The Gaensler Lab at UCSF is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate III (SRAIII) to contribute to our translational and pre-clinical studies focused on a novel leukemia vaccine. The lab's mission is to enhance anti-leukemic immunological responses in older patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, with the ultimate goal of improving relapse-free survival rates. The successful candidate will assess immunological responses to engineered human leukemia vaccines, collaborate on mechanistic studies of the tumor microenvironment, and participate in IND related studies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and Validation: Validate results from basic and translational cancer research projects in cellular biology, immunology, bioinformatics, and murine models.
• Project Leadership: Take on primary research responsibility for specific projects, particularly those involving vaccine response and drug development using in vitro biochemistry and cellular experiments.
• Cell Culture and Cloning: Conduct extensive cell culture work and standard cloning procedures.
• Gene Expression and Analysis: Perform gene expression studies and western blot analysis.
• Model Development: Develop and utilize murine models for immune therapeutic strategies.
• Database Management: Establish and maintain a formal database for necessary reagents and research sample banking.
• Data Recording: Conduct experiments and accurately record critical data.
• Collaboration and Environment: Create an inclusive environment, provide academic opportunities for trainees, and encourage participation in scientific events.

Expectations for Senior Research Associate III:

• Laboratory Management: Direct the work of a medium-sized laboratory and perform specialized experimental work.
• Innovative Contributions: Make innovative contributions to experimental procedures and contribute original ideas based on scientific methodology and related research literature.
• Multi-Disciplinary Expertise: Possess expertise of scientific procedures in two or more distinct fields of science.
• Independent Work: Perform work under general supervision, with independent and innovative contributions to experimental procedures typically expected.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficiency in cell culture and cloning.
• Experience with western blotting and protein expression is considered an additional asset.
• Background in bioinformatics- single cell analysis highly desirable
• Strong background in cellular biology, immunology including flow cytometric analyses .
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.

Training and Development:

• The position offers training opportunities, including presentations at local and national meetings and co-authored publications, to foster the growth and development of the next generation of scientists in the field.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job.  The functions should add up to 100%.

%  

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

40

Research and validation, project leadership, cell culture and cloning, gene expression and analysis, murine model development, database management, data recording, laboratory management

• Take on primary research responsibility for specific projects, particularly those involving vaccine response and drug development using in vitro biochemistry and cellular experiments.
• Conduct extensive cell culture work and standard cloning procedures.
• Perform gene expression studies and flow cytometric analysis of immune and tumor cell populations.
• Develop and utilize murine models for immune therapeutic strategies.
• Establish and maintain a formal database for necessary reagents and research sample banking.
• Conduct experiments and accurately record critical data.

25

Prepare paperwork for new protocols, communicate, and coordinate between sites and laboratories to ensure projects run smoothly.

Ensure research projects run smoothly and are compliant with UCSF policies.

10

Specimen management: oversee specimen intake, proper handling, storage and routing for pathway of processing. Establish and oversee maintenance of tissue bank.

20

Innovation: implement and explore new technology and methodologies for IND associated projects

5

Teaching: As new SOPs are developed and implemented, the SRA III will assist to educate and implement other lab members according to protocol.

100%

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Required Qualifications:

Qualifications that must be possessed by any candidate to be considered for the position.  These qualifications will be included in the job posting and will be used to screen applicants.  Please include qualifications that are objective and quantifiable such as years of experience required, educational degrees, etc. 

• BA/BS degree in Biochemistry or related science and three or more years of recent, directly related work experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position and demonstrating technical expertise in these areas; and/or equivalent experience/training. 

• Tissue Culture and all related skills, banking cells, aseptic technique. 

• Molecular biology techniques such as cloning, nucleic acid purification and analysis. 

• Good communication and good record keeping, organizational skills.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications:

Licenses and certifications that a candidate must possess to be considered for the position.

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications:

Qualifications that an ideal candidate would possess, but are not minimally required for a candidate to be considered for the position.

• Generally experienced in job duties and in the principles and practices associated with those duties with 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.