Junior Specialist – Shy Lab Full-time

Junior Specialist – Shy Lab

The Department of Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking a motivated Junior Specialist to join the Shy Lab. The Shy Lab integrates basic research, pre-clinical development, and clinical translation to advance next-generation cell and gene therapies for direct patient application.

The Junior Specialist will contribute to a basic research team focused on developing improved tools for cellular engineering and addressing current challenges in cell therapy manufacturing, particularly in non-viral CAR-T platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments to investigate and address factors influencing non-viral CAR-T cell production, including efficiency, scalability, and cytotoxicity.
• Perform CRISPR-based screening approaches to identify novel factors impacting cell therapy manufacturing processes, and validate findings through follow-up and mechanistic studies.
• Develop and optimize strategies and tools to improve cellular engineering and non-viral CAR-T manufacturing platforms.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data in a clear and organized manner.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure data integrity in accordance with institutional and laboratory guidelines.
• Contribute to the preparation of experimental designs, protocols, and manuscripts for scientific publications.
• Collaborate with members of a multidisciplinary research team to advance cell and gene therapy research.
• Contribute to the identification and exploration of new scientific questions and research directions.

Required Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field, or at least four years of research experience.
• Hands-on experience with tissue culture techniques and basic molecular and cellular biology methods.
• Foundational knowledge of immunology and/or cell biology principles.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and assist in identifying and addressing research challenges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with genome engineering techniques (e.g., CRISPR/Cas editing, CRISPR interference, CRISPR activation).
• Experience with CRISPR-based screening approaches.
• Experience working with primary T cells or T cell engineering technologies.

Applicants must apply online with a CV, cover letter, and the contact information for 1 reference. Application materials must list pending qualifications. Candidates must have required qualifications by time of hire.

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