Padmanabhan Lab – Junior Specialist Full-time

Padmanabhan Lab – Junior Specialist

The Padmanabhan Laboratory in the Division of Cardiology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is recruiting a Junior Specialist (Step 1) to support research investigating gene regulatory and epigenetic mechanisms that control cardiac development, cardiomyocyte identity, and cardiovascular disease.

This position closely mirrors the scope of responsibilities of the outgoing Junior Specialist and is designed for a highly motivated individual seeking rigorous, hands-on training in mouse genetics, stem cell biology, molecular biology, and chromatin-based experimental approaches in an academic research setting.

Areas of Specialization and Responsibilities

• Culture, genetically manipulate, and maintain mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells and human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells, employing advanced genetic modification techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Perform directed differentiation protocols to derive atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes from hiPS and mES cell lines, optimizing conditions to achieve high differentiation efficiency and reproducibility.
• Assist in the design, generation, troubleshooting, and validation of novel genotyping strategies for newly engineered mouse alleles and genetically modified cell lines.
• Evaluate and quantify gene expression using quantitative PCR (qPCR), including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, primer optimization, assay validation, data normalization, and interpretation of results.
• Plan and assist with timed matings; perform careful dissection of mouse dams to isolate embryos at defined developmental stages.
• Conduct rapid DNA extraction and accurate PCR-based genotyping of mouse embryos immediately following collection to determine genotype and suitability for downstream experiments.
• Prepare embryonic and adult tissues for histologic and microscopic evaluation, including tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and image acquisition.
• Perform a broad range of molecular biology and biochemical techniques including molecular cloning, plasmid preparation and validation, PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and basic chromatin assays (e.g., ChIP).
• Support viral vector preparation and use (e.g., lentivirus or AAV) for in vitro and in vivo genetic manipulation under supervision.
• Assist with maintenance of a mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, health monitoring, record keeping, and adherence to institutional animal care and use guidelines.
• Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory notebooks in compliance with institutional and funding agency requirements.
• Organize, label, and store biological samples, reagents, and experimental data to ensure reproducibility and data integrity.
• Assist with basic data analysis, organization of results into tables and figures, and preparation of summaries for lab meetings and ongoing manuscripts.
• Collaborate effectively with laboratory members and external collaborators to execute experiments, troubleshoot protocols, and support multiple ongoing research projects.
• Support general laboratory operations including reagent ordering, inventory management, protocol documentation, and maintenance of shared laboratory resources.

Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• At least one year of hands-on experience working in an academic or industry research laboratory.

Additional Qualifications (required at time of start)

• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and biochemical assays.
• Familiarity with mouse models, including handling, breeding, genotyping, and colony maintenance.
• Ability to follow complex experimental protocols, troubleshoot technical issues, and generate reliable data.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated motivation to learn new experimental techniques and contribute to ongoing research projects.
• Interest in contributing to the full research cycle, including experimental execution, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Reporting Structure The Junior Specialist will report directly to Dr. Arun Padmanabhan, Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCSF.