Junior, Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist

About the Role

The Ashworth Laboratory at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking a highly motivated Research Specialist to contribute to cancer drug discovery projects. The lab utilizes functional genomics, cell and molecular biology, CRISPR-based approaches, small-molecule screening, and in vivo models to investigate tumor genetics, therapeutic response, and identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Alan Ashworth and lab members to advance drug discovery projects focused on developing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer. This position requires the ability to work independently, design and execute experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and analyze and interpret results. The individual will take substantial responsibility for assigned research projects while collaborating within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments to advance drug discovery projects.
• Evaluate therapeutic targets and drug candidates using molecular, cellular, functional genomic, and pharmacological approaches.
• Conduct small-molecule studies, including drug sensitivity, combination, mechanism-of-action, and biomarker studies.
• Perform mammalian cell culture, CRISPR engineering, and molecular and cellular assays, including cloning, PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry.
• Design and conduct in vivo tumor studies, including immunocompetent mouse models.
• Analyze and interpret results to guide experimental and project priorities.
• Utilize computational and AI-enabled tools for experimental design, data analysis, literature synthesis, and drug discovery.
• Maintain rigorous experimental records and communicate findings through presentations, reports, and publications.
• Collaborate with laboratory members and internal and external partners.
• Contribute to laboratory operations as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• More than two years of full-time research experience in molecular biology, cancer biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret wet-lab experiments.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Strong experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills, including rigorous experimental documentation and management of multiple research priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness and ability to perform animal experiments.
• Self-motivation, initiative, scientific curiosity, and enthusiasm for cancer biology and drug discovery.

Qualifications

• Junior Specialist:

• Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology or a related field, OR at least four years of research experience.

• Assistant Specialist:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology or a related field, OR a baccalaureate degree with three or more years of research experience.

• Associate Specialist:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology or a related field, OR five to ten years of relevant research experience.

• Full Specialist:

• Terminal degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology or a related field, OR ten or more years of relevant research experience.

• Applicants must meet the qualifications for the applicable rank at the time of appointment.

• Applicants’ materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.