Pownall Lab - Full Specialist

Open date: April 30, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Saturday, Oct 30, 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

Pownall Lab - Full Specialist
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
UC San Francisco

The Pownall Lab at UCSF is seeking a Full Specialist interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling chromatin structure and function in developing zebrafish embryos using advanced microscopy methods. The candidate will be responsible for independently designing and performing experiments, including but not limited to zebrafish breeding and embryo microinjection, mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning and in vitro RNA synthesis, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, expansion microscopy, DNA and RNA FISH, and quantitative image analysis. The candidate will also contribute to the preparation of publications and grant applications. The candidate will help to oversee day-to-day operations of the lab, including ordering laboratory supplies, maintaining lab organization, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, and will assist with zebrafish care and husbandry as needed. This position will be focused on ChromExM technology development and applications, including managing collaborations to apply ChromExM to other systems and training and mentoring lab members and collaborators. The candidate is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, including taking ownership of experimental direction, troubleshooting, and execution with minimal oversight. The ideal start date is no later than September 2026.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology or a closely related field (e.g., genetics, cell biology) or ten or more years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in vertebrate embryology (fish, frog, or mouse).
• Broad expertise in advanced microscopy.
• A record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with super-resolution microscopy (SMLM, STED, SIM, etc.).
• Candidates with experience in highly collaborative environments and a track record of training and mentoring others will be preferred.
• Demonstrate strong initiative in independently identifying, prioritizing, and communicating experimental and organization needs.
• Successful candidates will be extremely detail-oriented, highly organized, collaborative, and enjoy protocol development.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $93,200-$194,800.

Please click here to apply with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references. Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission. The selected candidate must meet all the qualifications at the time of appointment.

• Cover Letter

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

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• 2 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