Nayak Lab - Specialist

Full Specialist – Microbiome of Rheumatic Diseases

The Nayak Lab (nayak.ucsf.edu) is seeking a Full Specialist with expertise in microbiome research and immunology, focused on advancing our understanding of the gut microbiome in rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Our laboratory integrates cutting‑edge technologies—including bacterial genomics, metabolomics, anaerobic microbiology, bacterial genetics, gnotobiotic animal models, and patient cohort studies—to uncover the mechanisms by which gut microbiota influence disease pathogenesis and treatment response.

A major driving force of the lab is the advancement of precision medicine for patients with rheumatic disease.

We seek highly talented and motivated candidates with strong backgrounds in microbiology, immunology, microbial genomics, computational biology, and/or murine models of inflammatory disease. Candidates will be expected to work independently and be active contributors to the multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, immunologists, and computational biologists who form the Nayak Lab. Candidates will be expected to push projects forward with creativity and rigor.

The candidate will aid in ongoing research investigating host‑microbe‑drug interactions and perform highly specialized as well as routine procedures to conduct well‑designed, controlled experiments. The successful candidate will report directly to Dr. Renuka Nayak, MD, PhD but will work closely with collaborators within and outside the group.

• Design, execute, and interpret experiments using anaerobic microbiology, microbial genomics, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, immunology, gnotobiology, and computational analysis.
• Develop, implement, optimize, and troubleshoot new assays, making innovative contributions to laboratory procedures.
• Assist in maintaining and monitoring all equipment and procedures for quality control.
• Review pertinent medical literature.
• Contribute to data analysis (visualization and statistical analyses in R) and manuscript generation for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Contribute substantially to publications, grant applications, and collaborative projects.
• Mentor and supervise junior specialists, students, and other trainees in the laboratory.
• Manage day‑to‑day lab operations, including oversight of compliance, safety, and procurement.
• Engage actively with the UCSF Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine (BCMM) and collaborators across disciplines.
• Maintain a detailed written record of work performed.
• Adhere to data security requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned (including general lab duties and positive lab citizenship).

• Terminal degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) or ten or more years of research experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated expertise in microbiome research, immunology, or related areas, evidenced by publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Significant experience in standard laboratory techniques (e.g., microbiology and handling pathogenic strains, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, flow cytometry, analytical chemistry, mouse studies, etc.).
• Working knowledge of safety standards in laboratories.
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to analyze data and perform statistical analyses.
• Ability to make sound decisions consistent with the essential job functions.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Excellent organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and ability to follow experimental protocols.
• Excellent time management and attention management skills.
• Ability to think creatively and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience leading research projects, coordinating with collaborators, and mentoring trainees.

• Prior experience with pathogenic microbes and aseptic techniques.
• Expertise in high‑throughput sequencing and analysis or computational analysis of large datasets.
• Expertise with mass spectrometry…