Junior Specialist – Steinhart lab Full-time

Junior Specialist – Steinhart Lab

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking a Junior Specialist.

The Steinhart Lab in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is recruiting a Junior Specialist to assist with immuno-oncology projects. The Steinhart Lab recently launched at the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC) at UCSF Mission Bay in February 2026. We aim to study the genetics underlying tumor-immune interactions and apply this understanding to discover and develop novel immunotherapies for Head and Neck Cancer and other cancers. To do so, we will be working with surgeons to study primary human tumor tissue and apply cutting-edge CRISPR and single-cell techniques to interrogate gene function in primary cells.

We are recruiting a Junior Specialist to assist with projects across the lab. The Specialist will work with lab members to conduct tissue processing and culturing, molecular cloning, sample preparation for genomic analyses, and perform immunology and biochemistry/cell biology experiments. Additionally, the Junior Specialist will assist the lab members in study design, analyzing and interpreting data, and revising plans for future experiments.

Position duties/responsibilities:

• Conducting experiments and under the guidance of senior laboratory members.
• Independent execution of defined workflows (after training), including tissue culture, tissue processing, molecular biology (including cloning and sequencing sample preparation), and flow cytometry.
• Perform basic calculations for dilutions, cell counts, and experimental setup.
• Performing data analysis, interpretation, and presentation to other lab members.
• Discussion of results with supervisor and senior lab members and participation in the design of the following experiments.
• Preparing laboratory reagents, buffers, aliquots, etc.
• Assist with general lab organization.
• Maintain clear laboratory records & organization.

Required qualifications:

• Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a related field or at least four years of research experience.
• Minimum 1 year of laboratory research experience (e.g. undergraduate research lab, full-time research assistantship), with hands-on bench work.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols, maintain careful documentation, and perform experiments with attention to detail and reproducibility.
• Proficiency in basic laboratory technique including: accurate pipetting, solution/buffer preparation, dilutions, and calculations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A strong commitment to laboratory safety and quality control.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in oncology and/or immunology.
• CRISPR engineering and screening.
• Molecular cloning.
• Tissue processing.
• Flow cytometry.
• Sample preparation for genomics experiments (e.g. sequencing).
• Computational analysis of genomics datasets.

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