University of California, San Francisco · 13 hours ago
Padmanabhan Lab – Junior Specialist
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
$55K/yr - $59K/yr
1+ years expThe University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking a Junior Specialist for the Padmanabhan Laboratory in the Division of Cardiology. The role involves supporting research on gene regulatory mechanisms related to cardiac development, with responsibilities including cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and collaboration on ongoing research projects.
AssociationBiotechnologyEducationMedicalPharmaceutical
Responsibilities
Culture, genetically manipulate, and maintain mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells and human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells, employing advanced genetic modification techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
Perform directed differentiation protocols to derive atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes from hiPS and mES cell lines, optimizing conditions to achieve high differentiation efficiency and reproducibility
Assist in the design, generation, troubleshooting, and validation of novel genotyping strategies for newly engineered mouse alleles and genetically modified cell lines
Evaluate and quantify gene expression using quantitative PCR (qPCR), including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, primer optimization, assay validation, data normalization, and interpretation of results
Plan and assist with timed matings; perform careful dissection of mouse dams to isolate embryos at defined developmental stages
Conduct rapid DNA extraction and accurate PCR-based genotyping of mouse embryos immediately following collection to determine genotype and suitability for downstream experiments
Prepare embryonic and adult tissues for histologic and microscopic evaluation, including tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and image acquisition
Perform a broad range of molecular biology and biochemical techniques including molecular cloning, plasmid preparation and validation, PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and basic chromatin assays (e.g., ChIP)
Support viral vector preparation and use (e.g., lentivirus or AAV) for in vitro and in vivo genetic manipulation under supervision
Assist with maintenance of a mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, health monitoring, record keeping, and adherence to institutional animal care and use guidelines
Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory notebooks in compliance with institutional and funding agency requirements
Organize, label, and store biological samples, reagents, and experimental data to ensure reproducibility and data integrity
Assist with basic data analysis, organization of results into tables and figures, and preparation of summaries for lab meetings and ongoing manuscripts
Collaborate effectively with laboratory members and external collaborators to execute experiments, troubleshoot protocols, and support multiple ongoing research projects
Support general laboratory operations including reagent ordering, inventory management, protocol documentation, and maintenance of shared laboratory resources
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a closely related field
At least one year of hands-on experience working in an academic or industry research laboratory
Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and biochemical assays
Familiarity with mouse models, including handling, breeding, genotyping, and colony maintenance
Ability to follow complex experimental protocols, troubleshoot technical issues, and generate reliable data
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
Demonstrated motivation to learn new experimental techniques and contribute to ongoing research projects
Interest in contributing to the full research cycle, including experimental execution, data analysis, and manuscript preparation
Preferred
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research (Optional)
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Company
University of California, San Francisco
University of California, San Francisco is an educational institution that focuses on medical courses.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of California, San Francisco has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (365)
2024 (342)
2023 (308)
2022 (306)
2021 (241)
2020 (268)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$52.45MKey Investors
California Institute for Regenerative MedicineBaldrick's FoundationNational Institute on Aging
2025-01-30Grant· $11.9M
2023-11-21Grant
2023-10-03Grant
Leadership Team
Pamela Hudson
Chief Operating Officer | Center for Digital Health Innovation
Jimmie Ye
Professor
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