"Junior or Assistant Specialist Shi Lab: Tissue Analysis & Proteomics"

The Shi Lab is seeking a highly motivated person(s) with a background in biomedical sciences to join our collaborative research team. This hands-on research opportunity is ideal for candidates planning to apply to medical school who are eager to strengthen their resumes with real-world lab experience and co-authorship on publications, or if you already have hands-on experience in tissue sample analysis.

Key Responsibilities

You will be expected to learn and master the following responsibilities, with the goal of performing them independently over time:

• Process frozen, fixed, and FFPE tissue samples for downstream molecular and proteomic analysis
• Perform immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and imaging with increasing precision and autonomy
• Prepare biological samples for mass spectrometry
• Contribute to data collection and protocol optimization alongside experienced scientists
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks, sample records, and basic inventory
• Collaborate with the scientific team on multi-omics projects

Lab: https://www.shilab.bio.uci.edu/

Requirements

Junior Specialists - Appointees to the Junior rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience.

Assistant Specialists - Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess expertise consistent with four (4) to six (6) years of training and/or experience in the relevant specialization. Appropriate qualifications for appointees at this rank would include possession of a Master's degree in a relevant discipline, or possession of a relevant baccalaureate degree plus three (3) or more years of research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent graduate or bachelor-level candidate in biomedical sciences, biology, biochemistry, or related fields
• Able to follow experimental protocols with care and document procedures accurately
• Strong interest in clinical research, precision medicine, or translational science
• Excellent team player who thrives in a collaborative academic environment
• Proficiency in IF, IHC, and/or other tissue-based assays
• Experience with sample preparation for mass spectrometry or involvement in multi-omics research is desirable
• An oncology or Neuroscience background is desirable
• Candidates with lab experience are preferred
• Highly organized, reliable, and able to follow complex protocols with precision
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment

Why join us

• Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art proteomic workflows
• Opportunity to co-author publications in top biomedical journals
• Exposure to clinical collaborators and physician-scientists, building professional networks
• A meaningful role in research projects focused on diagnostics, biomarker discovery and multi-omics
• Working on cutting-edge single-cell proteomics and multiomics techniques, building a skillset that is highly transferable and in demand across both academia and industry
• Contributing to real-world impact in areas like diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic development
• Be part of a tight-knit, supportive team with ample opportunities for growth as we scale

Lab: https://www.shilab.bio.uci.edu/