"Junior Specialist - Dumesic Lab"

The Dumesic Lab (www.dumesiclab.org) at the UCSF Diabetes Center is seeking applicants for a full-time Specialist position at the Junior rank. Our lab studies energy metabolism—the means by which cells transform and utilize chemical energy—and how disturbances in this process bring about metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cachexia. We seek to understand what gives rise to metabolic disease and why these conditions cause so many problems throughout the body. We believe that investigation of basic gene regulatory mechanisms can help explain the logic behind these complex pathophysiological connections—and provide new avenues for therapy. Toward this goal, we seek genes responsible for the specialized metabolic programs carried out by fat and muscle cells. We then examine the mechanisms by which these genes are activated and carry out their functions, with the hope of discerning the signals that initiate and propagate tissue dysfunction during metabolic disease.

We are a new lab creating a collaborative environment of ambitious, interdisciplinary science that leverages genetics, biochemistry, mouse physiology, and bioinformatics to discover new biology and inspire novel therapy for disease. Candidates will be expected to contribute to research projects in the lab through work on molecular cloning, tissue culture, CRISPR-mediated gene editing, and protein purification, as well as through isolation and analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein from cells and tissues. An essential component of the work will involve mice: weaning, genotyping, and mouse colony management, as well as metabolic experiments such as high-fat diet feeding and glucose tolerance testing. Specialists will be paired with senior scientists for training in these techniques, and exceptional Specialists will over time take on responsibility for designing their own experiments, developing new ideas, presenting at lab meetings, and participating in the writing of grants and papers. Importantly, the Specialist will be expected to assist with managing day-to-day lab operations and purchasing, as well as in performing some general lab duties.

Required Qualifications:

• Junior Specialist - Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience.
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment.
• Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

We are seeking at least a 2-year commitment. Depending on performance and workload, opportunities for independent research, mentorship of other trainees, and scientific writing will be available. Furthermore, the world-renowned UCSF environment—in which cutting-edge ideas and technologies in the basic sciences contribute to advances in human medicine—is an ideal setting to work toward long-term career goals in biomedicine. Candidates will receive opportunities for training in oral and written communication, advising on graduate/medical school applications, and numerous opportunities for networking with peers and with other scientists.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $58,600.

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05726.