Professional Researcher Position – Bastian Lab Full-time

Professional Researcher Position – Bastian Lab

The Bastian Lab at UCSF is seeking a highly motivated, independent, and technically gifted Professional Researcher to lead projects focused on developing and validating rational therapies for uveal melanoma and related malignancies. As a key senior member of our research team, you will drive the preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies, moving from molecular targets to robust in vivo and in vitro models.

Key Responsibilities

• Experimental Leadership: Design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments in cancer biology and pharmacology.
• Drug Development: Lead efforts in drug effectiveness testing, including dose-response studies, synergy analysis, and mechanism-of-action (MoA) studies.
• Advanced Cell Culture: Maintain and manipulate primary tumor cells, PDX-derived cells, and engineered cell lines (including CRISPR/Cas9 or RNAi-based modeling).
• In Vivo Studies: Oversee mouse husbandry and lead xenograft/PDX studies, including drug dosing (IP, oral gavage), tumor monitoring, and tissue collection.
• Lab Operations & Compliance: Serve as a primary point of contact for lab management. This includes overseeing and implementing efficient reagent ordering and inventory systems, as well as maintaining and renewing IACUC (animal) and BUA (biological safety) protocols (or equivalent institutional regulatory filings).
• Communication & Collaboration: Present findings at lab meetings and international conferences; draft manuscripts for publication and contribute data for grant applications.
• Mentorship: Provide technical guidance to post-doctoral fellows, students, and junior staff.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• Technical Excellence: “Excellent hands” at the bench with proven expertise in cell-based assays and molecular biology techniques.
• In Vivo Expertise: Significant experience in mouse models of cancer, including husbandry and therapeutic intervention trials.
• Operational Experience: Proven track record in lab management, including familiarity with institutional procurement systems and regulatory compliance (IACUC/IRB/Biosafety).
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently.

Applicants must apply online at

[Please click the Apply button for the link or address]

with a CV. Candidates must have the required qualifications by time of hire. CV should list pending qualifications. See

Table 13B

for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $93,400 – $146,700.