Staff Research Associate - Retrovirology Research Laboratory

Under supervision, The Staff Research Associate will perform standard repetitive, technical laboratory and/or field experimental procedures and/or receive training in the more difficult procedures requiring a theoretical background in one scientific field. Incumbents usually perform standard repetitive procedures of limited variety and/or work under close technical supervision, in their initial assignments. Staff Research Associate I is the entry-level in the series. Incumbents may perform a limited variety of non-standard repetitive procedures or a wide variety of standard repetitive procedures.

The Retrovirology Research Laboratory at UCSF/San Francisco VA is seeking a talented and motivated individual to perform and coordinate multiple projects aimed at understanding the barriers to curing HIV. Under supervision and with training provided, the incumbent will perform and coordinate work on multiple projects. The incumbent will work closely with existing group members, support ongoing projects, and help lay the groundwork for new research opportunities. These projects will center on applying cutting-edge assays to samples from HIV-infected humans and in vitro models in order to investigate the mechanisms that allow HIV to persist despite antiviral therapy and to evaluate new therapeutic approaches. Essential functions include:

• Provide services supportive to the mission of the laboratory, including ordering and maintaining supplies, assisting with compliance and lab safety protocols
• Design and execute experiments using cellular, biochemical, and molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, real time PCR, droplet digital PCR, and other techniques
• Process human biological samples, including isolation of cells from blood and tissues
• Culture cells from patients and/or latency models
• Store and ship samples as needed
• Maintain detailed written record of work performed
• Perform analysis of experiment results and findings, including data collection, entry, and graph creation
• Produce written and oral reports detailing results of experiments and analysis of results
• Adhere to data security requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

This full-time position will provide a unique exposure to translational medical research and would be ideal for a candidate interested in pursuing medical school, graduate school, or biotechnology industry positions in the future.

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

The salary range for this position is $26.00 - $31.04 (Hourly Rate).

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit:

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Knowledge of principles and practice of cellular and molecular biology
• Related work experience (laboratory-based research) desirable
• Working knowledge of safety standards in laboratories
• Excellent organizational skills
• Careful attention to detail; ability to accurately follow experimental protocols
• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and priorities to achieve desired goals
• Ability to think creatively, solve problems, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communication skills
• Computer literacy with full working knowledge of MS Word and Excel
• Familiar with basic data analysis techniques
• Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with cell culture
• Experience handling DNA and RNA
• Experience with PCR