Assistant Professional Researcher position available in the Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Full-time

Assistant Professional Researcher Position Available

Assistant Professional Researcher position available in the Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.

Availability: August 2026

Position Description

We are currently seeking a highly qualified candidate as an Assistant Professional Researcher in the Dept. of Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. The position will be under the direction of Arun Wiita, MD, PhD. Our lab at UCSF focuses on immunotherapy, quantitative proteomics, and bench to bedside applications in blood cancers.

The role will have four major foci: 1) development and optimization of new cellular therapies with potential for clinical translation in multiple myeloma; 2) development of novel patient-derived xenograft models of multiple myeloma; 3) study of tumor immunology of multiple myeloma using immunocompetent mouse models; 4) bioinformatics of 'omics datasets related to myeloma patients or models. Specific techniques to be used include: cell culture, molecular cloning, lentiviral transduction, flow cytometry, genetic engineering of T-cells using CRISPR or related approaches, in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity assays, murine tissue harvest, functional assays with murine immune cells, and other related assays for preclinical therapeutic assessment. Computational approaches will include analysis of genomic and transcriptomic datasets as well as experience in machine learning approaches. This role will work in close collaboration with the clinical myeloma service at UCSF, one of the largest such programs in the country, as well as other leading clinical and immunotherapy groups at UCSF.

The ideal candidate for this position will be proficient in a highly collaborative environment, working with academic research groups and myeloma clinicians as well as with biotech industry partners. Additional responsibilities will include collaborative grant writing, organization and maintenance of institutional animal care protocols, and mentoring of junior scientist trainees in the group. Extensive opportunities are available for participating in abstracts and publications. Training goals and specific projects will be tailored to the candidate's long term career goals. Candidates should have a strong interest in directly improving patient care through their research and gaining experience in preclinical therapeutic development in cancer.

Qualifications

Qualified applicants will hold an MD or PhD (or equivalent terminal degree). The candidate will have at least 5 years of laboratory-based research experience as well as experience in lab organization and mentoring of junior trainees. The candidate must have a strong publication record and evidence of research productivity. In terms of technical “wet bench” skills, the candidate must have prior experience in cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, cellular therapy development, CRISPR/Cas9, and in vivo tumor modeling. In terms of “dry lab” skills, the candidate must have proficiency in genomic and transcriptomic analysis as well as experience in machine learning approaches. Prior clinical experience treating multiple myeloma patients is preferred.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)