Career Center

Specialist - Nair Lab

A Specialist position is available to study cellular and molecular mechanisms of ocular diseases with a major focus on glaucoma in the Department of Ophthalmology at the UCSF School of Medicine.

The UCSF Department of Ophthalmology is one of the leading ophthalmology departments in clinical care, training, and research nationwide. It is a one of the largest recipients of federal grant funds among peer departments and has been in the top 10 in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, currently ranking #2. Additionally, we have been the #1 recipient of the Research to Prevent Blindness funding nationwide. Overall, the Department has a wide-ranging portfolio of 60 active research grants. Research, patient care, teaching, and public service activities are at multiple UCSF campuses: Parnassus, Mt. Zion, Veteran's Administration Medical Center (VAMC), Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG), and Benioff Children's Hospital at Mission Bay. The Department occupies over 60,000 of assignable square feet of space and supports 25 full-time clinical faculty, 10 basic scientists, over 50 volunteer and visiting faculty, 15 postdoctoral scholars, 15 residents, seven clinical fellows, graduate students, visiting researchers, as well as clinic and research staff for a total of 235 full time employees (FTEs).

The Nair Lab studies the genetics of ocular diseases with a primary focus on glaucoma and retinal diseases. Glaucoma is a common neurodegenerative disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The goal is to identify genes, molecular mechanisms and cellular networks contributing to glaucoma. The lab employs a variety of multi-disciplinary approaches to dissect the role of complex disease associated genes at a mechanistic level. The lab has successfully combined the use of human genetics and mouse models to uncover critical genes contributing to glaucoma and related phenotypes (relevant manuscripts can be found in a link to the lab's website, https://ophthalmology.ucsf.edu/nairlab/
The goal of the current research is to gain deeper insight into disease mechanism as well as testing newer therapeutic strategies.

The successful candidate will work in a collegial, interdisciplinary research environment and integrate use of animal models, genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cell-biology and physiology-based experiments. Techniques employed will include, but are not limited to basic molecular biology, western-blotting, cell culture, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, animal dissection, cell harvesting, flow cytometry, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, genotyping, and microscopy. The successful candidate at a junior specialist level will also provide technical assistance, prepare and arrange reagents, order and inventory stock, maintain a mouse colony, and provide a research database for animal husbandry. The candidate will teach other lab members research skills and help oversee them in their lab duties.

The candidate is expected to organize and analyze data, prepare figures for presentations and manuscripts, and mentor junior lab members. There will be opportunity to write manuscripts, present data, and apply for research funding if desired.

We are seeking a Specialist at the Junior, Assistant, or Associate rank.

Required Qualifications:
* Specialists appointed at the junior rank must possess (or in process of obtaining) a baccalaureate degree in biological sciences (or equivalent degree) or must have at least four years of research experience.
* Specialists appointed at the Assistant/Associate must possess (or in process of obtaining) a master's degree in biological sciences (or equivalent degree) or must have at least five years of research experience for the Assistant rank or must have at least five - ten years of research experience for the Associate rank.
* Applicant's materials must list (pending) qualifications upon submission.
* Applicants must have obtained the degree requirement for the Specialist rank by the time of hire.
* Candidates must have organizational and collaborative skills, must be adaptable, reliable, and willing to learn and be a team player.
* Applicants must be hard working, passionate about research, organized, and be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Interested individuals should apply online with their CV, Cover Letter, and Contact Information for two references at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF03831. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period. Salary and rank will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and training.

See Table 24B (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2022-23/july-2022-salary-scales/t24-b.pdf) for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $49,000 - $78,500.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy found here: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service that has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. The University of California 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, disability, age or protected veteran status.