Research Assistant

University of California, San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

10h

About The Position

The Research Assistant (Staff Research Associate I) works in a research laboratory studying the molecular and immunological mechanisms that establish maternal–fetal immune tolerance and how those mechanisms change in pregnancy complications. At the entry level, the incumbent performs experiments under the direction and training of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory members. The laboratory 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 initially receives training in relevant laboratory techniques and progressively takes on greater responsibility for experiments and research projects. Duties include planning and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, keeping detailed laboratory records, troubleshooting protocols, and presenting research progress every three months. The role also involves preparing buffers and reagents; maintaining laboratory stocks, tissue collections, and experimental animals; assisting with equipment and laboratory organization; and completing other research-related duties assigned by the PI and senior laboratory personnel. The incumbent may need to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, to support laboratory work that may occur 24/7. When needed, the incumbent may serve as a liaison between the research team and clinical staff, collect placenta tissue from sites in San Francisco, and prepare the tissue for experiments. Clinical-facing duties include coordinating with recruiters for sample collection at Mission Bay and organizing tissue-bank collection, clinical information, and database upkeep. The position is in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, an academic department engaged in clinical care, research, and training across multiple San Francisco campuses and Bay Area locations. The department's mission is to improve the lives and health of all women through excellence, innovation, and leadership in patient care, scientific discovery, education, advocacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and interview processes and, after an offer, through the stated accommodation process.

Requirements

BA/BS in a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, basic techniques or methods required by the position; an equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable.
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 that may be needed for laboratory work, including weekends and holidays.

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 conducting experiments, maintaining experimental records, analyzing data, and troubleshooting protocols.
Present research progress every three months.
Coordinate 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 various San Francisco sites, and prepare it for experiments.