Junior/Assistant Specialist in the Sampognaro Lab

The UCSF Department of Neurology is a leader in neurological research and care, encompassing diverse divisions dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders. Among these, the Neuromuscular Division stands out for its commitment to groundbreaking research. Its core mission is to drive fundamental advances in neuromuscular disease through rigorous scientific investigation. This involves elucidating disease mechanisms, developing innovative diagnostic tools, and pioneering novel therapeutic strategies, all contributing significantly to the global pursuit of cures. Beyond the Neuromuscular Division's focused research, the Department of Neurology fosters a collaborative environment that promotes cutting-edge scientific inquiry, education, and patient care. We are dedicated to translating research discoveries into tangible improvements for individuals affected by neurological conditions, striving to make a significant impact on the field.

Job Summary
The role of Research Specialist position is to assist with ongoing research projects within the Sampognaro Laboratory at UCSF. The goal of our research projects is to study the role of the lysosomal proteases and, more broadly, the role of the autophagy-lysosome system in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, specifically as it related ALS, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. To this end, the Research Specialist position exists to assist in the generation of data for these projects, including those involving cell culture of iPSCs and iPSC-derived neurons, biochemical techniques including Western blot/Silver stain, and confocal microscopy.

Key Responsibilities

• Basic lab procedures that include Western blotting, cell culture, and some immunocytochemistry
• Microscopic imaging quantification and analysis
• Data preparation
• maintain organized and accurate records/lab notebooks and use computerized databases
• Administrative/assist with lab ordering and lab organization

Required Qualifications:

• Junior Specialist - BS or BA Degree in related science, or related field from a 4-year accredited university OR at least four years of research experience.
• Assistant Specialist -Master's degree in related science OR a bachelor's degree with three or more years of research experience.
• Knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working knowledge of lab equipment, including balances, pH meters, etc.
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment
• Candidate's CV or cover letter must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of basic science, wet-lab science experience.
• Experience in neuroscience and/or in cell culture is preferable.
• Strong oral and written communication/interpersonal skills
• Experience with Western blotting, including blot imaging and quantification
• Experience in cell culture techniques
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy
• Knowledge of quantitative microscopy and imaging analysis
• Statistical analysis experience, coding experiencing is a plus

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu, with a CV, cover letter, and two reference contacts.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
* "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
* APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment