Specialist, Cell Line Engineering (READY Center) – Junior, Assistant, Associate, Full Specialist Full-time

Specialist, Cell Line Engineering (READY Center)

Job Summary The UCSF Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) Research and Engineering to Accelerate Discovery (READY) Center is a first-of-its-kind translational platform that integrates academic discovery with industrial-scale genome engineering. The Center is designed to accelerate the understanding of disease biology and enable therapeutic discovery by combining CRISPR-based genome editing, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) systems, and advanced automation. Operating at the interface of academia and biotechnology, the READY Center builds standardized, scalable, and high-throughput pipelines that support both internal UCSF investigators and external collaborators, with a strong emphasis on reproducibility, data quality, and rapid iteration across complex biological systems.

Within this environment, the Specialist, Cell Line Engineering will play a central role in executing and advancing genome engineering workflows that underpin the Center's scientific and translational efforts. Reporting to the READY Center Director, this position is responsible for implementing CRISPR-based gene perturbation and expression engineering strategies, maintaining and optimizing iPSC-based model systems, and contributing to the development of robust, scalable engineering pipelines. The role extends beyond routine laboratory execution to include process development, integration of automation technologies, and continuous refinement of workflows to improve throughput, consistency, and experimental fidelity.

This position requires a highly disciplined experimentalist who can operate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional setting. The Specialist will collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and computational teams to deliver high-quality engineered cell models, support multi-project pipelines, and contribute to the Center's broader mission of enabling next-generation functional genomics and disease modeling at scale. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to translate complex genome engineering concepts into reliable, production-level workflows that meet both research and translational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and implementation of advanced genome engineering strategies using CRISPR/Cas systems, including knockouts, targeted knock-ins, landing pad systems, and gene expression modulation approaches.
• Perform and support genome editing workflows in human cell systems, including iPSCs, with attention to experimental quality, efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability.
• Execute molecular biology techniques such as cloning, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and sequencing-based validation to support cell engineering projects.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of workflow for clonal isolation, genotyping, and validation of engineered cell lines.
• Assist in process development efforts to standardize and scale genome engineering workflows.
• Integrate automation and high-throughput technologies (e.g., liquid handling systems) into cell engineering and assay workflows to increase throughput and data quality.
• Contribute to scaling and standardization of workflows, including participation in process improvement and troubleshooting efforts.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to build platform capabilities.
• Maintain accurate and well-organized experimental records and contribute to data analysis and reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Junior Specialist – Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or related field or at least four years of research experience
• Assistant Specialist – Master's degree or a baccalaureate degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or related field with 3 or more years of research experience
• Associate Specialist – Master's degree (or equivalent degree) in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or related field or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization
• Full Specialist – terminal degree (or equivalent degree) in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or related field or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Practical knowledge of molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, nucleic acid extraction, cloning).
• Exposure to genome engineering approaches such as CRISPR/Cas systems or related technologies.
• Ability to maintain clear and organized experimental documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to learn new techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or related field, or with 5+ years of relevant laboratory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas genome editing in mammalian systems, including knockout, knock-in, or gene regulation approaches.
• Experience working with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), including maintenance, editing, and differentiation, particularly neural or disease relevant lineages.
• Experience developing high-throughput or automated genome engineering pipelines using liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton).
• Experience with NGS-based methods for assessing genome editing outcomes, including off-target analysis (e.g., GUIDE-seq, CIRCLE-seq, amplicon sequencing).
• Experience developing or optimizing workflows for reproducibility, scalability, or throughput (e.g., process development, screening platforms).
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches for process optimization.
• Programming or data analysis experience (e.g., Python, R) for analysis of sequencing or screening datasets.
• Prior experience mentoring or leading junior team members.

Applicants must apply online with a CV, cover letter, and the contact information for 3 references. Applicants' 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 – $194,800.