Full Specialist

Position Summary

The Specialist will perform research activities in a laboratory setting under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator. The incumbent will contribute to ongoing research projects in hepatic fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell biology by applying advanced technical expertise in molecular biology, immunological assays, and in vivo mouse models. The Specialist is expected to analyze data, contribute to publications and grant applications, and collaborate with laboratory members to advance the scientific goals of the research program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform advanced molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to cloning, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and gene expression analysis
• Perform immunostaining techniques, including immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, for cellular and tissue-based analyses
• Conduct flow cytometry experiments, including sample preparation, antibody staining, data acquisition, and downstream data analysis
• Handle, breed, genotype, and maintain laboratory mice in compliance with UCSF and IACUC guidelines
• Design, execute, and analyze in vivo mouse experiments, including injections, surgical procedures, tissue collection, and phenotypic assessments
• Generate, maintain, and characterize transgenic mouse lines, including breeding strategies, genotyping, and experimental validation
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and computational methods
• Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records in accordance with UCSF research standards
• Prepare figures, methods, and draft sections of scientific manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals
• Assist in the preparation of grant applications, fellowship proposals, and progress reports
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings and departmental seminars
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, specialists, trainees, and other research staff to support laboratory objectives
• Ensure compliance with UCSF policies related to biosafety, animal research, and responsible conduct of research

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Immunology, or related field)
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques, immunostaining, and flow cytometry
• Hands-on experience with mouse handling, in vivo experimentation, and transgenic mouse models
• Strong analytical, organizational, and scientific writing skills
• Ability to work independently with general supervision and collaboratively within a research team

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior authorship or co-authorship of peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Experience contributing to grant or fellowship applications
• Experience generating and maintaining transgenic mouse lines
• Familiarity with bioinformatics, image analysis, or advanced statistical tools
• Experience training or mentoring students or junior laboratory personnel