Junior/Assistant Specialist Full-time

Junior/Assistant Specialist

The Department of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking a highly motivated Junior or Assistant Specialist to participate in translational research investigating T-cell immunology in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) and a multidisciplinary research team, the Junior/Assistant Specialist will contribute to both the experimental and intellectual aspects of publishable research. Research activities will include prospective patient biospecimen collection, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation and cryopreservation, antigen-specific T-cell assays, multicolor flow cytometry, cell culture, and mouse immunology experiments. The Junior/Assistant Specialist will also contribute to experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, literature review, and dissemination of research findings.

This position is well suited for an individual interested in developing expertise in neuroimmunology and translational research using human biospecimens and experimental models of neuroinflammatory disease.

Responsibilities include:

• Participate in the design and implementation of studies investigating T-cell responses and other immune mechanisms relevant to MOGAD and MS.
• Collect and process prospective patient biospecimens in coordination with clinical and research staff, including isolation, cryopreservation, and banking of PBMCs.
• Perform cell culture, antigen-specific T-cell assays, and multicolor flow cytometry, including sample preparation, staining, data acquisition, quality control, and analysis.
• Participate in mouse immunology experiments, including tissue collection and processing and characterization of immune responses.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and contribute to decisions regarding experimental design, troubleshooting, assay optimization, and follow-up studies.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and biospecimen inventories and contribute to the rigor and reproducibility of research data.
• Review relevant scientific literature in MOGAD, MS, T-cell biology, autoimmunity, and neuroimmunology to inform experimental design and interpretation.
• Present research progress and findings at laboratory meetings and contribute to abstracts, posters, presentations, and scientific meetings.
• Contribute substantively to scholarly manuscripts, including data analysis and interpretation, preparation of figures and tables, literature review, and drafting and revising manuscript sections.
• The Junior/Assistant Specialist will be expected to remain actively and significantly engaged in research of scholarly quality and to contribute meaningfully to research suitable for publication and presentation.

Required qualifications include:

• Appointees to Junior Specialist rank must possess a bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience.
• Appointees 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.
• Conceptual understanding of basic immunology.
• Demonstrated interest in scientific research and ability to critically engage with scientific literature and research findings.
• Ability to perform detailed laboratory work with attention to accuracy, organization, and reproducibility.
• Strong organizational, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of hire.
• Candidate's CV must state qualifications (or indicate if qualifications are pending) upon submission.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree or master's degree in biology, immunology, neuroscience, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.
• Previous laboratory research experience in immunology, neuroscience, or a related biomedical field.
• Experience with PBMC isolation and processing, cell culture, REDCap, and/or biospecimen banking. Experience with T-cell assays, flow cytometry, or mouse immunology experiments.
• Experience analyzing, interpreting, and presenting scientific data.
• Familiarity with immunology, autoimmunity, or neuroimmunology.
• Strong scientific writing skills and interest in contributing to publications.
• Interest in pursuing advanced training or a career in biomedical, translational, immunology, or neuroimmunology research.
• Interest in making a two-year commitment to the position.

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.