Junior Specialist – Human Autoimmunity Full-time NEW

Junior Specialist – Human Autoimmunity

UCSF is recruiting a Junior Specialist to work directly with Dr. Kristen Mengwasser on basic science research focused on developing new genomic immunology approaches to study human rheumatologic diseases. The Junior Specialist will be a UCSF employee and will conduct research with Dr. Mengwasser within the Marson Lab at Gladstone Institutes.

The research program combines human immunology, molecular biology, protein engineering, mammalian cell biology, and functional genomics to investigate the antigen-specific immune responses that drive rheumatic disease. A major focus will be the development and application of ORF-displaying mammalian virus-like particles, a new technology for studying protein–protein, antibody–antigen, and immune cell interactions at high throughput. The Junior Specialist will work closely with Dr. Mengwasser and collaborate with members of the Marson Lab and the broader UCSF/Gladstone research community to apply these approaches to understanding mechanisms of human rheumatologic diseases.

The Junior Specialist will perform, or be trained to perform, the following research-related functions (80% of time): Mammalian cell culture, including culture and transfection of HEK293-derived cell lines and other mammalian cell systems. Production, purification, and characterization of ORF-displaying barcoded mammalian particles. Molecular cloning, including PCR, DNA assembly, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification. Flow cytometry for characterization of engineered particles and analysis of particle binding to primary and engineered cells. Cell-based assays to measure protein–protein, antibody–antigen, and receptor–ligand interactions. Isolation, culture, and experimental manipulation of primary human immune cells. ELISA and related protein-binding assays. Nucleic acid isolation, PCR, and preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing. Optimization and troubleshooting of experimental protocols. Quantitative analysis and organization of experimental data using programs such as FlowJo, Excel, and related software. Maintenance of detailed experimental records and protocols. Practice and apply universal precautions while working in a BSL2 laboratory.

Biobanking and Human Biospecimen Management – 10% Processing of human blood and other clinical biospecimens for research use. Isolation and cryopreservation of PBMCs and other primary human cell populations. Aliquoting and storage of serum, plasma, cells, and other biospecimens. Labeling, accessioning, and organization of samples using standardized biobanking procedures. Maintenance of accurate electronic records linking biospecimens with associated study and sample metadata. Tracking sample location, availability, freeze-thaw history, and usage. Organization and maintenance of -80°C freezer and liquid-nitrogen sample inventories. Coordination with research and clinical team members regarding sample receipt, processing, storage, and retrieval. Adherence to laboratory procedures for handling human specimens and protecting participant confidentiality.

Laboratory Organization and Management – 10% Ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies and reagents. Maintaining plasmid, cell-line, antibody, and other reagent inventories. Preparation and organization of commonly used laboratory reagents. Organization of freezer, refrigerator, and laboratory space. Maintenance of experimental protocols and equipment instructions. General maintenance of shared laboratory areas.

Required Qualifications Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of relevant research experience. Strong attention to detail and commitment to rigorous and reproducible experimental work. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with other members of a research team. Ability to prioritize experiments and manage multiple projects. Interest in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, biotechnology, or related areas. Familiarity with standard computer programs for data organization and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications Previous laboratory research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioengineering, or a related field. Experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile technique. Experience with molecular cloning, PCR, or DNA library construction. Experience with flow cytometry and/or cell-based assays. Experience processing, cryopreserving, or maintaining primary human biospecimens. Experience working with primary human immune cells. Familiarity with next-generation sequencing workflows. Familiarity with quantitative data analysis using R, Python, or similar tools.

This position would be particularly well suited for a recent graduate interested in gaining intensive research experience at the intersection of immunology, molecular engineering, technology development, and human translational research before pursuing graduate, medical, or MD/PhD training.

Salary range for this position is $57,000-$60,700.