Assay Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Application Window
Open date: February 19, 2026
Most recent review date: Friday, Jun 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Thursday, Aug 19, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Manglik and Arkin labs - Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
UCSF
The labs of Aashish Manglik and Michelle Arkin are seeking Junior/Assistant/Associate/Full Specialists to join a collaborative, highly interactive research effort focused on drug discovery targeting oncogenic Gαq/11 (Gq) to enable new therapeutic strategies for multiple diseases with poor current treatment options (e.g. uveal melanoma). The Specialist will contribute to an integrated pipeline spanning protein biochemistry, structural biology, assay development, chemical biology, and cell/cancer biology, depending on the candidate's strengths. The Specialist will be expected to contribute to core research efforts through rigorous experimental execution, careful documentation, and strong collaboration across labs. An exceptional candidate will take increasing ownership of a project area, help optimize workflows, and contribute to troubleshooting, data interpretation, and presentation.
Required Qualifications:
• Junior Specialists must possess a baccalaureate degree or equivalent degree, or at least 4 years of research experience
• Assistant Specialists must possess a master's degree, or a baccalaureate degree with 3 or more years of research experience
• Associate Specialists must possess a master's degree or equivalent degree, or 5 to 10 years of experience in the relevant specialization
• Full Specialists must possess a terminal degree or equivalent degree, or 10 or more years of experience in the relevant specialization
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative research team
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate with others, and meet multiple deadlines
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods as research priorities evolve
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior hands-on experience in one or more: protein purification, biophysical assays (NMR, SPR, BLI), cryo-EM/crystallography sample preparation, structure determination, biochemical assay development/screening, chemical biology, chemical synthesis, proteomics, mammalian cell culture, cancer signaling biology
• Strong quantitative instincts and comfort with data analysis (e.g., Python/MATLAB/R/GraphPad)
• Evidence of meticulous record-keeping and reproducible execution
• Interest in translational science/drug discovery and working across disciplines
Applicants must apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05955 with a CV, cover letter, and the contact information for 3 references. Application materials must list pending qualifications. Candidates must have required qualifications by time of hire.
See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $194,800.
Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco
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.
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.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
San Francisco, CA