Junior/Assistant Specialist in Translational Neuroimmunology and Immune Engineering Full-time

Junior/Assistant Specialist in Translational Neuroimmunology and Immune Engineering

Junior/Assistant Specialist in Translational Neuroimmunology and Immune Engineering Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco

Position Description: The Gupta Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and organized Junior or Assistant Specialist to help establish and support a new research program focused on autoimmune and infectious diseases affecting the central nervous system. This position is ideal for an individual seeking to develop expertise in translational immunology while contributing to innovative research in immune engineering and neuroinflammatory diseases.

The laboratory is dedicated to developing next-generation immune therapies for neuroinflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Research activities integrate advanced cell engineering technologies—including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, T-cell engagers, and synthetic receptor platforms—with preclinical studies using cellular and animal models to investigate disease mechanisms and evaluate novel therapeutic strategies. The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing laboratory operations while making significant scientific contributions to ongoing research projects. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining laboratory infrastructure, managing laboratory operations, inventory, and regulatory documentation, and coordinating laboratory resources to ensure efficient research activities. The Junior or Assistant Specialist will independently perform, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental protocols, maintain accurate research records, analyze experimental data, and contribute to the interpretation and presentation of research findings.

A major component of this position involves conducting studies using mouse models of neuroinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including animal handling, experimental procedures, tissue collection, and downstream immunological and molecular analyses. The Junior or Assistant Specialist will also perform and optimize molecular and cellular biology techniques, immune cell isolation and culture, flow cytometry, and implementation of advanced cell-engineering approaches. Opportunities to contribute to experimental design, protocol development, manuscript preparation, and grant-supported research activities are expected, commensurate with the candidate's experience. The position will additionally involve processing human blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens collected through clinical trials and observational studies investigating novel therapeutic approaches for neuroimmune diseases. Responsibilities may also include coordinating specimen collection and processing across designated clinical research sites while ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

Because patient visit schedules and specimen collection times may vary, flexibility in scheduling and a collaborative, solution-oriented approach is essential. In return, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge immunology and cell engineering technologies, interact with a unique patient population, and contribute to a highly collaborative and rapidly growing translational research program. The Gupta Laboratory is committed to fostering an innovative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research environment for scientists dedicated to advancing therapies for neuroinflammatory diseases. Candidates should possess excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and demonstrated proficiency with standard molecular and cellular laboratory techniques. Experience with immunology, immune cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology, or human specimen processing is highly desirable. Prior experience working with mouse models is strongly preferred, and candidates should be willing to perform animal-based research. Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and contribute scientifically to the laboratory's research mission.

Required Qualifications:

• Appointee to the Junior Specialist rank must possess a bachelor's degree in a related science (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience.
• Appointee to the Assistant Specialist rank must possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or a bachelor's degree with three or more years of research/laboratory experience.
• One or more years of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position
• Experience working with human biological samples
• Demonstrated experience in vertebrate embryology: mouse
• Conceptual understanding of basic human physiology and immunology
• Knowledge acquired through school of scientific equipment (centrifuge, pipettes, ultra-low freezers)
• Strong computer skills including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexible schedule – ability to work evenings and weekends
• Meticulous record keeping abilities
• Able to learn complex tasks with general instruction. Able to use experience to perform a variety of new techniques
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of hire.
• Candidate's CV must state qualifications or if pending upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum one year of prior experience working with human biological samples
• Minimum one year of prior experience working with mouse
• Minimum one year of prior experience working with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and bacterial cell culture, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting
• Experience with, or understanding of flow cytometry / cell sorting
• 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
• Documentation of effective planning and execution of research projects

Application Process: Please apply online, with a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 – $73,200.

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 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

Job location

San Francisco, CA