Levine Lab - Pain Research Pharmacologist (Assistant Professional Researcher)

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
University of California, San Francisco

The Levine Lab is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Pharmacologist. Applications are being accepted for the position of Assistant Professional Researcher.

Key Responsibilities:

• Disease Models: Preclinical models for diverse pain syndromes (inflammatory, neuropathic and nociplastic).
• Evaluation of Pain in Rats: Design and perform evoked and spontaneous pain experiments to assess peripheral mechanisms of pain and analgesia (e.g., Randall-Selitto test, von Frey test, Hargreaves test, facial grimace).
• Drug Assessment: Familiarity with intradermal, intrathecal, intraplantar, subcutaneous, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes of administration.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to resolve complex issues by evaluating gathered scientific data.
• Data Analysis: Analyze large datasets from behavioral pharmacology experiments and graphic presentation of data using appropriate software (e.g., SPSS, R, GraphPad Prism) to interpret complex behavioral and physiological data.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams, including pharmacologists, molecular biologists, electrophysiologists and computational biologists, to achieve research objectives.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare research reports, manuscripts for publication, lab compliance (e.g., IACUC, biohazard, BUA), and contribute to grant writing.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior researchers and students in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Physiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a related field, plus 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in pain behavioral pharmacology with a focus on peripheral mechanisms (role of the nociceptor in preclinical models of pain syndromes).
• Strong hands-on experience in rat experimentation and pain-behavior experimental protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing research reports, publications, and documentation for institutional compliance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced expertise in pain behavioral pharmacology techniques.
• Strong understanding of neuronal signaling pathways, especially in nociceptors.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism).
• Strong publication record in relevant fields (e.g., pain mechanisms, especially in nociceptor function).
• Ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex in vivo experiments.
• Experience with managing projects and timelines, proactively identify potential research issues and troubleshooting.
• Able to train junior associates and productively manage project progress.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.

See Table 13B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $93,400-$122,100.

Please click here to apply with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references. Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission. The selected candidate must meet all the qualifications at the time of appointment.

Document requirements

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
• Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)