Research Assistant (1/2)

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

11d•$30 - $32

About The Position

The Research Assistant (Staff Research Associate I) position is in a dynamic research lab studying the molecular and immunological mechanisms that establish maternal–fetal immune tolerance and how these mechanisms change in pregnancy complications. The lab combines biochemistry, protein engineering, immunology, and experimental models to investigate antibody–antigen interactions and immune tolerance. Methods may include programmable protein display, molecular cloning, recombinant protein and antibody expression and purification, biochemical and cell-based assays, next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, and mouse models of pregnancy and immunity. The incumbent performs research experiments under the direction and training of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory members. After initial training in relevant techniques, the incumbent is expected to take on increasing responsibility for independent experiments and research projects. Work includes planning and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining detailed laboratory records, troubleshooting protocols, and presenting research progress at laboratory meetings every three months. The role requires flexibility to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed by a laboratory operating around the clock. When needed, the incumbent may liaise between the research team and clinical staff, collect placenta tissue from sites in San Francisco, and prepare tissue for experiments. Additional duties include preparing buffers and reagents, maintaining laboratory stocks and experimental animals, helping with laboratory equipment and organization, and other research-related duties assigned by the PI and senior laboratory personnel. The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences conducts clinical, research, and training activities across several San Francisco campuses and Bay Area locations. Its mission is to improve the lives and health of women through patient care, scientific discovery, education, advocacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

BA/BS in a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, basic techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency in the MS Office suite.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Self-motivated and organized.
Flexibility to conform to irregular work hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience or proficiency with coding languages such as Python and/or R.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on bench research and assist with experiments investigating immune responses and pregnancy biology.
Conduct research experiments under the direction and training of the Principal Investigator and senior scientists.
Perform molecular biology, protein biochemistry, immunological, and cell-based experiments, including protein and antibody expression and purification, binding assays, and programmable protein-display approaches.
Process biological samples and isolate DNA, RNA, protein, and/or immune cells for downstream molecular, biochemical, and sequencing-based analyses.
Assist with tissue culture, experimental model systems, sample collection and processing, flow cytometry, immunostaining, and other laboratory assays as needed.
Maintain and genotype experimental animals and perform animal experiments.
Progressively assume responsibility for independently performing experiments, maintaining experimental records, analyzing data, and troubleshooting protocols.
Present research progress every three months.
Interact with clinical recruiters for sample collection at Mission Bay.
Organize tissue-bank collection, clinical information, and database upkeep.
Prepare buffers and reagents, maintain tissue collection, assist with laboratory equipment maintenance, and perform other duties assigned by the PI and senior scientists.
When needed, act as liaison between the research team and clinical staff, collect placenta tissue from San Francisco sites, and prepare tissue for experiments.
Maintain laboratory stocks and assist with laboratory organization.