Professional Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Application Window
Open date: September 3, 2026
Next review date: Friday, Sep 18, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Mar 3, 2028 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
Professional Researcher
University of California, San Francisco
The incumbent will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to help run the lab, taking on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of project planning and mentorship. A major part of the job will be meeting with trainees one on one (we presently have seven graduate students, four postdoctoral scholars and medical fellows, and five undergraduate researchers and research associates) to help them drive projects efficiently, optimizing assay selection, experimental design, data analysis, and prioritize research efforts while also helping them move through their various programs by providing career guidance, support with manuscript planning, editing and helping with fellowship, grant, and job applications. The incumbent will also manage many aspects of lab operations by working with department administration on job postings, interviewing, and hiring; procurement on equipment and supplies purchases; Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) on safety documentation for BUA and inspections; and IACUC and LARC on drafting and updating all animal research protocols. The incumbent's role in the laboratory is centered on providing independent scientific leadership and directing the research program carried out by trainees. Together, the incumbent and PI will establish the overall scientific vision and priorities for the lab, and the incumbent will independently lead projects from conceptualization and experimental design through execution, interpretation, and publication. The incumbent will be expected to mentor trainees in scientific rigor, experimental strategy, and critical analysis while overseeing multiple research initiatives, including projects focused on the tumor microenvironment, the mechanistic biology of fusion proteins, and receptor engineering; and provide scientific leadership for many of the laboratory's most innovative research programs. This role's responsibilities are fundamentally research-focused, encompassing scientific direction, project leadership, experimental innovation, mentorship, and the advancement of the laboratory's independent research portfolio. The incumbent should bring deep expertise in cell engineering, cell signaling, immunology, and cancer biology; have methodological and technical expertise in the development of cellular therapy technologies.
Required Qualifications:

• A doctorate degree or its equivalent
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• 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
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment.
• Candidates' CV must state qualifications or if pending upon submission.

Please apply online at AP Recruit , with a CV and three references.
See Table 13B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $141,200-$257,100.
Application Requirements
Document requirements

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

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