New

Staff Research Associate

University of California - San Francisco

United States, California, San Francisco

Apr 15, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

The incumbent in this position will independently execute research in the Upadhyay Laboratory investigating how gut bacterial metabolites regulate lung epithelial mitochondrial function during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Building on published findings that Bifidobacterium adolescentis-derived L-lactate increases mitochondrial activity in lung epithelial cells and correlates with ARDS severity (Upadhyay et al., bioRxiv 2025Nat Cell Biol), the SRA 2 will work under general supervision to advance a mechanistic understanding of the gut-lung axis in critical illness. The SRA 2 is expected to bring demonstrated laboratory proficiency, execute experiments with independence, troubleshoot problems before escalating to the PI, and contribute to data analysis and scientific communication.

This position will be working under the general supervision of Dr. Vaibhav Upadhyay at the Upadhyay Laboratory, Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, UCSF Parnassus campus.

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)
75	Yes	SRA 2: Works with the PI and alongside other lab members. Independently executes experiments after training; troubleshoots technical problems before escalating to PI; contributes to data summaries and figure preparation. Specific duties include: Cell culture: Independently maintain and passage lung epithelial cell lines (BEAS2B, NHBE, primary ALI cultures); design and execute multi-condition treatment experiments; troubleshoot culture problems independently. Bacterial culture: Independently propagate and maintain Bifidobacterium adolescentis and related gut bacteria under anaerobic conditions; prepare conditioned media and metabolite fractions; verify metabolite production by enzymatic assay. Biochemical assays: Independently execute Seahorse XF respirometry, lactate quantification, ROS and ATP measurements; recognize invalid results and troubleshoot before consulting PI. Molecular analysis: Perform RNA/DNA/protein isolation, qPCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence; independently troubleshoot technical problems before escalating. Gnotobiotic mouse experiments: Participate in and eventually lead colonization, tissue harvest, BAL, and sample collection; train junior lab members in animal handling under PI oversight.
10	Yes	Data management and communication: Compile experimental data, perform standard statistical analyses (GraphPad Prism), generate publication-quality figures for lab meetings and manuscripts.
15	Yes	Laboratory management support: Maintain supply inventory and ordering, equipment logs, compliance documentation; assist in onboarding and training of new lab members.
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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

BS/BA degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; and/or equivalent experience/training.
Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and troubleshoot problems before escalating to supervisor.
Experience in microbiology, metabolic assays, mouse handling, or bioinformatics preferred.
Computer skills at the level of using spreadsheet programs
Prior experience in a respiratory, microbiome, or metabolism-focused laboratory is a plus.
Experience with image analysis software and basic statistics (GraphPad Prism or equivalent).
Experience handling mice
Familiarity with gnotobiotic mouse models or other specialized in vivo systems preferred
Experience with metabolic assays (Seahorse XF respirometry, lactate quantification) - anesthesia, ear tagging, intratracheal and peritoneal injections, and euthanasia.
Computer skills at the level of using spreadsheet programs
Strong written and verbal communication skills for lab meeting presentations and figure preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated proficiency in mammalian cell culture: independent maintenance, passaging, and troubleshooting of cell lines.
Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology techniques: RNA isolation, qPCR, western blotting.
Experience with bacterial culture, including anaerobic techniques, preferred.

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

BS/BA degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; and/or equivalent experience/training.
Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and troubleshoot problems before escalating to supervisor.
Experience in microbiology, metabolic assays, mouse handling, or bioinformatics preferred.
Computer skills at the level of using spreadsheet programs
Prior experience in a respiratory, microbiome, or metabolism-focused laboratory is a plus.
Experience with image analysis software and basic statistics (GraphPad Prism or equivalent).
Experience handling mice
Familiarity with gnotobiotic mouse models or other specialized in vivo systems preferred
Experience with metabolic assays (Seahorse XF respirometry, lactate quantification) - anesthesia, ear tagging, intratracheal and peritoneal injections, and euthanasia.
Computer skills at the level of using spreadsheet programs
Strong written and verbal communication skills for lab meeting presentations and figure preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated proficiency in mammalian cell culture: independent maintenance, passaging, and troubleshooting of cell lines.
Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology techniques: RNA isolation, qPCR, western blotting.
Experience with bacterial culture, including anaerobic techniques, preferred.