Make your Impact on Society

Are you looking to make a profound difference? Join a culture of revolutionary research that is looking to eradicate HIV. A full-time Staff Research Associate I position is immediately available for a highly motivated individual wanting to apply for training in the biological sciences and virology to study the barriers to curing HIV. This position is funded and hired through the Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) - The Veterans Health Research Institute, which is affiliated with the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). UCSF is a world leader in HIV/AIDS research and treatment. The incumbent will be working within the laboratory of UCSF Principal Investigator, Prof. Steven Yukl, on the campus of the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

The Yukl laboratory performs basic and translational research focused on understanding the barriers to curing HIV, with an emphasis on investigating the mechanisms that allow HIV-infected cells to persist in the blood and tissues. Research areas include:

• Mechanisms that govern latent HIV infection/reactivation and the regulation of HIV transcription;
• Cellular factors involved in HIV latency and HIV expression;
• Differences between blood and tissues in the types of HIV reservoirs, their mechanisms of persistence, and their responses to therapies aimed at curing HIV;
• Contribution of HIV-expressing cells to immune activation/inflammation and viral rebound after interruption of antiretroviral therapy;
• Development and testing of new therapies to disrupt latent HIV infection (latency reversing agents, latency promoting agents) or induce selective killing of HIV-infected cells;
• Development of new assays to quantify HIV reservoirs and investigate mechanisms of HIV latency/persistence

In addition, we have projects aimed at understanding the transcriptional regulation and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of COVID-19.

These projects involve the implementation and development of laboratory assays to apply to samples from infected and uninfected individuals, as well as cell lines and primary cells infected in vitro. We also pursue collaborative mechanistic studies with other investigators throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, the United States, and many other countries.

Training will be provided to enable the candidate to engage in multiple different laboratory projects. In addition to training in laboratory techniques, candidates will be provided with opportunities to present their research at local, national, and international meetings, and to write manuscripts.

Below are listed the essential functions and requirement for this existing research opportunity:

Essential Functions:

• 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; store and ship samples
• Perform in vitro HIV infection and propagation experiments
• Maintain detailed written record of work performed
• Perform analysis of experiment results and findings, including data collection, entry, and graph creation
• Produce written reports detailing results of experiments and analysis of results
• Adhere to data security requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• BA, BS, or equivalent degree
• 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

The San Francisco Bay Area is globally known as a leader in biomedical research and innovation. This area has an ingrained culture of collaboration and economic and civic vitality. The research environment will include employees from NCIRE, UCSF, and the SFVAMC, which are all known for supporting and administering cutting edge, outstanding research with HIV.

By joining us, you join not only our mission but scientific movement.

The base salary range for this position is $24.11-$28.87 per hour. The base salary actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.