Junior Specialist – Aguilar lab Full-time

Junior Specialist – Aguilar Lab

Job #JPF06070

Microbiology & Immunology / SCHOOL OF MEDICINE / UC San Francisco

Application Window

Open date: May 4, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Nov 4, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

Junior Specialist – Aguilar Lab

The Aguilar laboratory is an immunology lab that studies how natural killer (NK) cells protect us from pathologies. The research specialist will perform basic science research to investigate the cellular basis of immune responses through NK cells that can be beneficial for host defense against infectious disease and cancer. Specifically, the candidate will study methods to improve NK cell mediated activation though NK cell receptors. We employ a variety of techniques including mouse models of human disease, cell culture and genome engineering, flow cytometry and molecular biology. Specialist responsibilities regarding transgenic mouse model systems may include breeding, screening and immunizing mice, as well as dissecting tissues to obtain cells for culture and analysis of gene regulation. There may be additional opportunities for the right candidate to participate in computational analysis of high dimensional cytometry and deep sequencing datasets. The specialist will work closely with other lab members, participate and present research findings in lab meetings, and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Applicants must meet the required qualifications at the time of hire.
• Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with biochemical assays and workflows.
• Computational biology coursework and/or research experience.
• Demonstration of accuracy and attention to detail in sample preparation during prior research experience is required.
• Communication, logistical and time management skills to coordinate work with other lab members.
• Comfort with working with animal models of human disease.
• Evidence of securing competitive research funding.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 – $58,600.

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 (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)

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 our 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