What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pownall Lab - Junior or Assistant Specialist position at University of California - San Francisco?
Open date: November 12, 2025
Next review date: Thursday, Nov 27, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, May 12, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Pownall Lab - Junior or Assistant Specialist
Biochemistry and Biophysics
UC San Francisco
The Pownall Lab at UCSF is seeking a Junior or Assistant Specialist interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling chromatin structure and function in developing zebrafish embryos using advanced microscopy methods. The candidate will be responsible for performing experiments under supervision of the PI, including but not limited to zebrafish breeding and embryo microinjection, mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning and in vitro RNA synthesis, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, expansion microscopy, and quantitative image analysis. The candidate will also help to oversee day-to-day operations of the lab, including assisting with ordering laboratory supplies, maintaining organization in the lab, etc. This position will be focused on ChromExM technology development and applications. The ideal start date will be no later than March 2026.
Required Qualifications:
- Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience to be appointed at the Junior rank.
- Master's degree (or equivalent degree) or a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) with three or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Assistant rank.
- Extremely detail oriented, collaborative, and enjoy protocol development/optimization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in molecular biology or related field.
- Experience working in a research laboratory outside of coursework.
- Interested in super-resolution microscopy, image analysis, and gene regulation.
- Experience with zebrafish or cell culture.
See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000-$70,700.
Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05872 with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references. Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission. The selected candidate must meet all of the qualifications at the time of appointment.
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
Statement of Research (Optional)
- 2 required (contact information only)
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
* "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
* APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Salary : $55,000 - $70,700
