Alba Lab - Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist

Open date: February 18, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Apr 1, 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: Wednesday, Aug 18, 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

Specialist (Assistant, Associate or Full)

A Specialist position is now open for the Alba laboratory at the UCSF Division of Endocrinology at Zuckerberg San Francico General. The Alba lab research focuses on understanding how maladaptive responses among cells in adipose tissue lead to inflammation and fibrosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that control fat mass is essential for identifying how obesity develops and its related pathologies.

The candidate will contribute to team-oriented lab work using spectral flow cytometry, cell culture, PCR, and high throughput proteomic platforms, as well as preparation/maintenance of lab reagents, culture media, and other general lab management duties. The candidate will be expected to contribute to the preparation of research manuscripts for publication. In addition, the candidate will have opportunities to undertake independent research projects. They will be trained in relevant data analysis techniques. Required skills will include high-parameter flow cytometry, basic molecular techniques such as PCR and ELISA, cell culture, data management, and basic statistical analysis. Superb oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well as a member of a team are required. Good oral/written communication skills, creative problem-solving flexibility, and the ability to integrate detailed analysis into a larger disease-oriented context will be expected.

Required Qualifications
• Assistant Specialist - Must have or in process of obtaining a master's degree or a baccalaureate degree with 3 or more years of research experience.
• Associate Specialist - Must have or in process of obtaining a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Full Specialist - Must have or in process of obtaining a terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization.
• Individuals must also be familiar with basic metabolic and immunological principles as well as experimental techniques including immunofluorescence imaging, high parameter flow cytometry, molecular, biochemical, and functional assays, as well as methods to assess systemic and tissue/cellular metabolism.
• Required skills will include high-parameter flow cytometry, basic molecular techniques such as PCR and ELISA, cell culture, data management, and basic statistical analysis.
• 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.
• Problem-solver with a positive attitude, who is capable of designing and performing experiments, critically analyzing data, and assuming primary responsibility for communicating scientific results, all with a high level of independence and an ability to benefit from focused feedback.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Transcriptomic and bioinformatic skills to address key questions within the scope of the proposed work are a plus
• Applicants who have significant experience with multi-channel flow cytometry or FACS, experience with advanced microscopy and image analysis or experience with in vivo imaging or localization studies are strongly encouraged to apply
• Experience with R and STATA programming are preferred.
• Experience with single cell sequencing platforms and data analysis are highly desirable.
• Master's degree or equivalent experience are desired.

Please apply online at: . Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $63,500-$194,800.

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

• Cover Letter

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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