Junior Specialist - Berendzen Lab

Open date: March 30, 2026

Most recent review date: Tuesday, Apr 14, 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, Sep 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

Junior Specialist Position - Berendzen Lab

The Berendzen Lab at the University of California, San Francisco is seeking to a recruit an outstanding candidate to fill a computational biologist position at the Junior Level. Research in the Berendzen lab seeks to understand how aging and age-related disease impact social behavior. We use a combination of genetic, molecular, and physiologic approaches in rodent and human or animal-derived cell models, with a goal of developing better therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative and other age-related diseases. We work collaboratively with basic scientists as well as our clinical and translational colleagues in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology.

The role of the Specialist is to both assist with ongoing experiments and, depending on the candidate's skill level, conduct independent research under the guidance of Dr. Berendzen and other members of the Berendzen Lab. The Specialist will learn and utilize a variety of research techniques and will have the opportunity to be a co-author on publications. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• The candidate will contribute to designing and implementing analyses of high-dimensional data (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing, germline (e.g. whole-genome) sequencing (WGS) data, proteomics, imaging data sets).
• The candidate will be able to utilize standard bioinformatics tools and databases to uncover biologically meaningful insights that address key research questions.
• The candidate will be expected to work independently with support from team members to complete independent data analysis

Required Qualifications:
• Must have (or be in process of obtaining) a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience to be appointed at the Junior rank.
• 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.
• A strong background in bioinformatics or computational biology and use of bioinformatic tools with proficiency in R and/or Python for data processing and statistical analysis
• Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:
• A bachelor's degree in bioengineering, data science or a related focus in computational biology
• Prior independent research experience with standard genomic and transcriptomic analyses.
• Experience implementing and routinely documenting data analysis pipelines for research
• Experience with cloud-based storage and service tools
• Interest or experience in cell modeling or CRISPR gene editing or advanced molecular biology
• Preference for the Junior Specialist position may be given to applicants interested in pursuing a biomedical sciences PhD or MD/PhD.

Applicants must apply online with a CV, cover letter, and the contact information of 3 references. Applicants' materials must list pending qualifications. Candidates must meet the required qualifications at the time of appointment.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $58,600.


Application Requirements

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

• Cover Letter

• 3 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