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Staff Research Associate Cardiology
Job Summary The Staff Research Associate (SRA) assists the principal investigator (PI) with active experiments and the daily tasks related to the operation of a biomedical research laboratory. This is a great opportunity for individuals interested in graduate school in the biomedical sciences.
Our research is primarily focused on: 1) chronic hypoxia sensing and adaptation, and 2) mechanisms of cardiovascular complications from cancer-directed therapies. We seek to understand how cells, tissues, and organisms respond and adapt to chronic hypoxia at the molecular and whole-body physiology levels. We utilize a variety of in vitro (cell) models and mouse models to investigate specific transcription factors, gene and protein regulatory pathways, and metabolic changes in mediating responses under hypoxia. This work lies at the intersection of hypoxia signaling, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular disease. We have developed models of cardiovascular disease that are affected by chronic hypoxia, including pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and obesity. We use various biochemical assays, "multi-omics," and computational approaches to carefully dissect mechanisms of hypoxia adaptation. In addition, we are interested in dissecting mechanisms of cardiovascular disease that result from cancer-directed therapies (such as VEGF inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors) and actively developing pre-clinical models of pericarditis.
The SRA will have many duties relevant to these goals and it is expected that they will become increasing independent over time. It is expected that the SRA will become well-versed in multiple molecular and biochemical techniques to analyze tissues and cells, such as western blotting, qPCR, and generation of DNA constructs. They will also assist with various mouse model experiments and take an active role in mouse colony maintenance and lab organization and lab management. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $30.32 - $48.76 (Hourly Rate SRA 2), and $28.12 - $33.57 (Hourly Rate SRA 1). To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html Department Description The Division of Cardiology at UCSF is one of the largest clinical, research, and training divisions within the Department of Medicine (DOM). It encompasses sub-specialty sections, including Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Advanced Heart Failure, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Critical Care Cardiology, Echocardiography, General Cardiology, Cardio-Oncology, Prevention, and others. The Division operates clinical practices, conducts research, and provides education to medical students, residents, fellows, and postdoctoral scholars. It has over 90 full-time faculty, 36 clinical fellows, and extensive research and administrative staff. Research focuses on chronic hypoxia sensing, cardiovascular complications from cancer therapies, and mechanisms of hypoxia adaptation using cell and mouse models. Areas of interest include hypoxia signaling, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and obesity. The Division also investigates cardiovascular impacts of cancer therapies and develops pre-clinical models of pericarditis, combining biochemical assays and computational approaches. Required Qualifications SRA 1 (9613)
- BA/BS in a related science (background in general biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and chemistry) and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent training / experience.
- Prior publications or significant contributions to manuscripts.
- Experience with mouse colony maintenance and mouse breeding, or similar maintenance of live model organisms, such as yeast, flies, or plants (including experience gained in school).
- Experience with molecular cloning and biochemistry (including experience gained in school, but ideally through additional training).
- Experience with basic cell culture techniques (may be that which is acquired while in school).
- Experience accurately and successfully performing DNA and protein gel electrophoresis; western blotting; PCR; quantitative RT-PCR; standard cell culture; and DNA/RNA extractions from animal tissues and cell culture samples (may be that which is acquired while in school).
- Demonstrated knowledge of molarity, sterile technique, standard Mendelian genetic inheritance, and general microbiology.
- Demonstrated ability to perform standard data analysis and basic bioinformatics programming (such as Python, R, or Matlab).
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and present/organize data.
- Familiarity with experimental design (controls, technical vs biological replicates).
- Ability to independently analyze data (including Excel, Prism, Word; bioinformatics strongly desired) and devise follow up/trouble shooting experiments.
- Strong scientific writing skills (including writing hypotheses, aims, approaches, and anticipated results).
- Ability to review and discuss scientific literature.
- Ability to compile data and summarize research findings (both verbally and written).
- Strong interest in cardiovascular biology and physiology.
- Ability to maintain well organized workflows and protocols.
SRA 2 (9617)
- In addition to the above, a minimum of one or more years of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion utilizing techniques and methods required by the position.
- Master's degree (desired but not essential).
Preferred Qualifications
- BA/BS degree in a field relevant to biomedical research (e.g., biology, chemistry, molecular biology, pre-medicine track).
- MS degree in field relevant to biomedical research.
- Experience with rodent handling and experiments, including delivery of compounds via tail vein injection, intra-peritoneal injections, and oral gavage (may be that which is acquired while in school).
- Previous basic science research experience (may be that which is acquired while in school).
About UCSF The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells. Pride Values UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. Job Code and Payroll Title 009617 SRA 2 NEX Job Category Research and Scientific Bargaining Unit University Professional Technical Employees - Research Support Professionals Unit (UPTE-RX) Location San Francisco, CA Additional Shift Details Monday -Friday. 8:00 -5:00. Occasional weekends. |
University of California - San Francisco
Feb 11, 2026