Assistant Professional Researcher – Okada lab Full-time NEW

Assistant Professional Researcher – Okada Lab

The Okada lab in the Department of Neurological Surgery at UCSF seeks a highly motivated Assistant Professional Researcher to provide scientific leadership in the development and implementation of innovative research programs advancing therapies for malignant brain tumors. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with faculty, trainees, and national and international research partners to accelerate the translation of discoveries in brain tumor immunotherapy into improved patient care.

The primary objective of this position is to advance breakthrough therapeutic strategies for brain tumors through integrated studies of tumor immunology, genetics, epigenetics, and mechanisms of treatment resistance. The incumbent will provide scientific leadership within multidisciplinary, grant-funded research programs, identify actionable therapeutic vulnerabilities, and develop innovative therapeutic approaches. This position serves as a senior scientific collaborator, contributing to strategic planning, project management, experimental design, data interpretation, and research program development across multiple concurrent initiatives.

The Professional Researcher will work closely with faculty and staff across UCSF to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, while playing a leading role in large national and international research consortia. The incumbent will also mentor graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and research staff, providing scientific guidance, technical training, and oversight of laboratory and computational research activities.

Essential responsibilities include providing scientific leadership and project management for funded collaborative research programs focused on brain tumor immunology, metabolism, and immunotherapy; participating in weekly meetings; training and mentoring new laboratory members; promoting a culture of scientific rigor, laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and research integrity; coordinating multiple collaborative projects simultaneously; and working flexible hours as needed.

Required qualifications include an MD, PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree; clinical experience or a strong understanding of the clinical management of patients with malignant brain tumors; demonstrated expertise in cancer biology and cancer immunology; extensive knowledge of genetics and epigenetics; and proficiency in computational biology and scientific programming.