New

Staff Research Associate

University of California - San Francisco

United States, California, San Francisco

Apr 15, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the PI, this position supports research in the Upadhyay Laboratory investigating how gut bacterial metabolites regulate lung epithelial mitochondrial function during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Building on published work demonstrating that Bifidobacterium adolescentis-derived L-lactate increases mitochondrial activity in lung epithelial cells and correlates with ARDS severity (Upadhyay et al., bioRxiv 2025), the SRA 1 will perform bacterial and mammalian cell culture, biochemical assays, and sample preparation under direct supervision of the PI. Specific techniques will include anaerobic bacterial culture, lung epithelial cell culture, Seahorse XF respirometry, RNA/protein isolation, qPCR, and western blotting. Training will be provided for all specialized techniques. Experience with laboratory methods and molecular biology is required. Experience with laboratory methods, computer skills, and molecular and cell biology is required.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.

% of time	Essential Function (Yes/No)	Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)
35	Yes	Bacterial and mammalian cell culture: Maintain and passage lung epithelial cell lines (BEAS2B, NHBE); propagate Bifidobacterium adolescentis under anaerobic conditions; prepare conditioned media and metabolite fractions following written protocols under direct supervision.
25	Yes	Biochemical assays: Perform Seahorse XF respirometry, lactate quantification, ROS measurements, and ATP assays on lung epithelial cells following established protocols. Incumbent will receive training in all specialized assay platforms. Results reviewed with supervisor before interpretation.
15	Yes	Microscopy/Cell culture: Under the direction of the PI the individual will perform Molecular analysis: Under the direction of the PI, perform RNA/DNA/protein isolation, cDNA synthesis, qPCR, and western blotting. Assist with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. All results reviewed with supervisor before interpretation.
10	Yes	Gnotobiotic mouse support: Assist with colonization procedures, tissue harvest, bronchoalveolar lavage, and sample processing under direct supervision of PI or senior lab member. Assist with mouse colony maintenance and genotyping.
15	Yes	Laboratory operations and data management: Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, manage supply inventory, place orders with PI approval, maintain equipment logs, and assist with compliance documentation. Manage data in Excel and GraphPad Prism.
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100%		(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Required Qualifications:

BA/BS in a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrates ability or academic experience with mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, RNA isolation).
Academic knowledge in cell/molecular biology including familiarity with cell culture, RNA preparation, PCR, and western blotting. Experience with microbiology or bacterial culture is a plus.
Working knowledge in Excel and Access data management programs
Ability to work independently and within a team environment
Excellent organizational, time management, administrative, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills and multitasking
Experience with laboratory methods, molecular and cell biology a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

Database design skills: especially experience with writing queries in Access, although any relational database experience will also be desirable.
At least 1 year of working experience with applications in molecular and cell biology, and microscopy.
Experience handling mice, including mouse colonies and genotyping.

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 here.

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.

Salary Information

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.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Required Qualifications:

BA/BS in a related science and knowledge of, or experience with, the basic techniques or methods required by the position; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrates ability or academic experience with mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, RNA isolation).
Academic knowledge in cell/molecular biology including familiarity with cell culture, RNA preparation, PCR, and western blotting. Experience with microbiology or bacterial culture is a plus.
Working knowledge in Excel and Access data management programs
Ability to work independently and within a team environment
Excellent organizational, time management, administrative, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills and multitasking
Experience with laboratory methods, molecular and cell biology a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

Database design skills: especially experience with writing queries in Access, although any relational database experience will also be desirable.
At least 1 year of working experience with applications in molecular and cell biology, and microscopy.
Experience handling mice, including mouse colonies and genotyping.