Professional Researcher- Roybal Lab
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
University of California, San Francisco

The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is now recruiting a Professional Researcher. The mission of the UCSF Leiomyosarcoma Cell Therapy Initiative is to support the development of the next generation of cellular therapies to treat this disease. In the Roybal Lab, we engage in translational research in partnership with research groups at UCSF to develop cutting-edge engineered T cell therapeutics and prepare them for the clinic, as well as develop novel cell technologies for future therapeutic solutions.

We are seeking applications for Assistant, Associate, or Senior Researchers to lead early-stage pre-clinical development of novel T cell therapeutic circuits for the treatment of Leiomyosarcoma. This work will range from proof-of-concept studies to IND enabling studies for a phase I clinical trial. This is an excellent opportunity to learn cutting-edge engineered T cell cancer therapy from leading experts in the field and gain highly sought after pre-clinical development experience in the field of cell therapy.

The successful candidate will perform experimental work on protein engineering, primary human T cell culture, lentiviral transduction, and mouse tumor models. The candidate's main responsibilities will include: a) novel assay development, b) in-vitro T cell circuit design and validation, c) establishment of in-vivo tumor models, d) compiling pre-clinical results to support the designation of clinical vector design, and e) leading the in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacology characterization of therapeutic product candidates in collaboration with a process development team towards an IND filling.

The Initiative Assistant/Associate/Senior Researcher will work with assigned Junior Specialists, other staff in the Roybal Lab collaborators in developing the necessary assays, protocols and SOPs and execute the experimental work, data analysis and report their findings in presentations and progress reports.

Required Qualifications:

• A doctorate or its equivalent with 2+ years related experience in cellular Biology, immunology, or a related field;
• Experience with human and mouse T cell isolation and culture.
• Experience with T cell therapy development and extensive understanding in techniques such as CAR construct design and cloning, viral (lenti and AAV) vector development, T cell engineering and CRISPR gene editing, cell therapy candidate selection.
• Experience with in vitro and in vivo tumor model development building and testing of therapeutic T cells
• Experience with managing projects and timeline, proactively identify potential research issues and troubleshooting
• Able to train junior associates and productively manage project progress
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Associate and Full ranks- the candidate will be expected to possess unique and essential research expertise, make meritorious contributions in independent and creative research activity and participate in university and/or public service.
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment. Application materials must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Track record of independent research
• History of potential to develop a sustained source of research funding
• Completion of post-doctoral fellowship

Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05280, with a CV and two references.

See Table 13B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $90,200-$240,000.

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.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service 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.