Junior Specialist - Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Laboratory for Musculoskeletal Crosstalk

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 Junior Specialist - Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Laboratory for Musculoskeletal Crosstalk The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is seeking a Junior Specialist to join the Laboratory for Musculoskeletal Crosstalk, led by Dr. Kelsey Collins. In the Collins Lab, we leverage interdisciplinary approaches in bioengineering, endocrinology, and physiology to determine the molecular mechanisms of tissue crosstalk in osteoarthritis. The candidate will support the molecular, cellular, and tissue biology activities of the laboratory by participating in induced pluripotent stem cell culture, cell line editing, histology, animal husbandry, and related research activities. The candidate will also independently perform more complex biological analyses using new and established approaches and support the development of new protocols and the application of spatial transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to musculoskeletal and adipose tissues. The position requires an individual who can contribute to an independent project while working effectively in a team-based environment. Responsibilities will also include animal handling, record keeping, data management, communication with laboratory and Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) staff, molecular analyses of genotype, and data interpretation. Required Qualifications Specialists appointed at the Junior rank must possess (or be in the process of obtaining) a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in bioengineering, stem cell or molecular biology, immunology, or a related field, or have at least four years of research experience. Applicants must have obtained the degree requirement for the Junior Specialist rank by the time of hire. Strong molecular biology skills. Cell culture expertise. Primary cell culture experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail. Analytical and judgment skills to conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team-based environment. Applicants' materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission. Preferred Qualifications Interest in or experience with mouse models or stem cells. Experience with histology and immunohistochemistry. Orthopaedic research experience. Coursework in statistics. Interest in conducting pain and behavioral testing in rodents. Appointees in the Specialist series are expected to engage in specialized research and professional activities and do not have teaching responsibilities. Specialists are expected to use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions and may participate in University and public service. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period. Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and training. Document Requirements Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications. Cover Letter Reference Requirements 3 required (contact information only) See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 - $60,700. 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 Statement of Research (Optional) Statement of Teaching (Optional) 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: Affactive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Job location San Francisco, CA #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - San Francisco