Research Associate, Infectious Disease​/ Epidemiology, Clinical Research

Job Summary

The Langelier Laboratory in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medicine is seeking a research associate to join our team of translational scientists working to advance understanding and management of respiratory and other infectious diseases, in particular COVID-19. The group specializes in metagenomic analysis and patient-oriented research to understand host/microbe interactions during infections and respiratory diseases, microbial genetics to identify and track outbreaks and the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and novel diagnostic test development.

Our team includes physician scientists in Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, PhD post-doctoral scientists in microbiology, immunology and computational biology, medical and bioscience trainees, and research associates. Our work spans microbiology, immunology, computational biology, genetics, infectious diseases and pulmonary/critical care medicine. A unique collaborative environment involving multiple laboratories at UCSF creates an engaging, diverse and supportive setting.

The recipient will be recruited through the Division of Infectious Diseases () within the Department of Medicine and will work in the Langelier Lab at the Parnassus Campus. The Research Associate will perform nucleic acid extraction from patient samples and prepare sequencing libraries for metagenomic sequencing using liquid handling robots. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential. Additional duties include database and sample tracking management, data analysis and interpretation, and quantitative PCR.

The applicant will have the option to assist with laboratory management including coordinating with collaborators for sample shipment and tracking, training new lab members, scheduling project meetings, interfacing with laboratory instrument technical support staff, maintaining standard operating procedures for laboratory protocols, and interfacing with clinical and laboratory databases.

The position will contribute to projects aiming to advance understanding of diseases such as COVID-19 and sepsis and to improve care for patients with a diversity of infectious and respiratory diseases. We seek talented college graduates with a science major who have at least two years of full-time research experience post graduation, in fields such as molecular biology or biochemistry, with prior experience in metagenomic sequencing laboratory techniques.

This position may be an opportunity for aspiring graduate or medical school candidates to gain experience and build a track record for future applications, and for career laboratory scientists interested in cutting-edge translational research involving metagenomics.

The final salary and offer components are subject to UC policy approvals. Your placement within the salary range depends on factors including work experience and internal equity within this position classification  represented positions, placement within the salary range is guided by the applicable collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $30.89 - $49.68 per hour.

To learn more about UCSF benefits, including total compensation, please visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

The Department of Medicine is the largest department in the UCSF School of Medicine. Its mission is research, education, patient care and public service. The department has more than 450 full-time faculty at four sites and approximately 60 divisions. The Division of Infectious Diseases includes 110 faculty, fellows, and staff dedicated to clinical care, teaching, and research to prevent, diagnose and treat infectious diseases.

Our faculty are leaders in adult infectious diseases.

• BA/BS in a related science with two or more years of directly related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Prior experience working with biological samples
• Prior experience with metagenomic sequencing
• Prior experience performing scientific data entry
• Prior experience working with human biological samples
• Knowledge of scientific equipment (e.g., PCR machines, centrifuge, pipettes, liquid handling robotics)
• Lab safety training
• Blood-borne pathogen training
• Biosafety training
• Computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and demonstrate superior organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Meticulous record-keeping abilities
• Strong attendance and punctuality
• Careful attention to detail

• Experience with or interest in learning basic programming (R, Python) and statistical tools for data quality control
• Overall experience with the duties and related scientific principles
• Ability to draft routine reports and maintain accurate records
• Proactive in seeking opportunities to increase skills and expertise
• Ability to learn complex tasks with general instruction and apply…