Junior or Assistant Specialist

Junior or Assistant Specialist

Summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable Junior / Assistant Specialist interested in contributing to and gaining experience in human synthetic biology and cell engineering. Under the direction of Professor Wendell Lim, the specialist will apply cutting-edge approaches to develop next generation cell therapies, including smart immune cells designed to recognize and kill cancer cells or to treat other challenging diseases such as autoimmune disease and neurodegeneration. The selected candidate will contribute to a team in the performance of laboratory and investigative procedures by conducting a variety of experimental techniques such as molecular cloning, culture and engineering of primary humans and mouse cells, flow cytometry, and in vivo preclinical mouse models of disease. The successful candidate will receive detailed technical training and will execute cellular assays to collect, analyze and compile data in support of our research. Additionally, the specialist will be expected to assist with managing day-to-day lab operations, perform general lab duties and be a positive lab citizen. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated candidate seeking in-depth experience in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Our mission is to support the development of the next generation of cellular therapies. We engage in translational research in partnership with research groups at UCSF to develop cutting-edge engineered immune cell therapeutics and prepare them for the clinic, as well as develop novel cell technologies for future therapeutic solutions for disorders such as cancer and autoimmunity.

Learn more about our research here :

Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist scientists by performing various investigative procedures and operating a variety of instruments and other scientific equipment. Examples of equipment routinely used are : a. Plate readers for absorbance or luminescence-based assays, b. microscopes for live cell functional studies, c. PCR machines for gene amplification and cloning d. Flow cytometers and cell sorters for single cell analysis and isolation. Our group also leverages preclinical mouse models of cancer and autoimmune disease to test the efficacy of candidate cell therapies.
• Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data; perform calculations and prepare charts, graphs, and reports. May use software applications to assemble, manipulate and / or format data and test reports.
• Configure and operate laboratory apparatus and instruments; read and record instrument data; tabulate data; keep laboratory records.
• May order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions, and present research updates to groups.
• May maintain bacterial and tissue cultures for experimental purposes.
• Read literature applicable to research areas as required.
• Perform the duties of a Laboratory Assistant as required.

Organizational Scope and Impact of Position

Contributes to research results on an on-going basis. Usually conducts routine aspects of research projects. Influences short range and limited scope activities. Errors, though potentially significant, are usually limited in scope due to close supervision of individuals.

Interactions with Others

Organizes projects within workload to ensure goals are met. Meets routinely with supervisor. Contributes to common laboratory tasks and maintenance of shared reagents and materials. Able to train others in specialized tasks within their own area of expertise.

Qualifications

Required :

Preferred :

Knowledge / Understanding / Skills & Abilities :

Physical Requirements :