BCMM Computational Hub - Research Assistant (Junior/Assistant Specialist)

DESCRIPTION

The Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine (BCMM) is seeking a motivated Junior/Assistant Specialist to join our Computational Hub and contribute to both new and ongoing projects. This position will be part-time (60% FTE) and open to in-person, hybrid, and remote candidates.

BCMM is dedicated to advancing human microbiome research, with a strong focus on accelerating discovery and translation in early-life microbiome science and therapeutic development.

The Research Assistant will provide support microbiome research by delivering analysis expertise to investigators across UCSF. Projects facilitated through the Computational Hub span diverse disciplines and include experimental design consultation, bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data (16S rRNA, ITS2, shotgun metagenomics, dual RNA-Seq), and biostatistical analysis of high-dimensional datasets.

In this role, the candidate will assist with data management, pipeline testing, and report generation across diverse data types. The position requires close collaboration with computational biologist to ensure timely analysis and to develop novel computational tools addressing challenges in microbiome research. Candidates should be able to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team. Preference will be given to those with demonstrated strengths in communication, teamwork, and contributions to manuscripts or reports. This role also offers opportunities to collaborate on scientific publications, along with tailored professional development to support career growth.

Required Qualifications:
* B.Sc. or higher in bioinformatics, biostatistics, or a related discipline
* Experience applying bioinformatic and statistical tools to analyze omics datasets (e.g., microbiomics, transcriptomics, and/or clinical data)
* Ability to prepare high-quality data visualizations, reports, and presentations for publications and stakeholders
* Strong data management skills with accuracy, persistence, and attention to detail
* Ability to work across multiple projects in a collaborative research environment

Preferred Qualifications:
* 1+ years of experience in academia or industry working with omics data
* Strong background in bioinformatics, biostatistics, and data visualization
* Proficiency in R and/or Python, and Bash scripting; experience with SQL and large datasets is preferred
* Prior experience with microbiome data analysis (e.g., 16S, shotgun metagenomics) is highly desirable
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
* Self-motivated, well-organized, and able to work independently

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05786. Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000-$70,700.

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