Scientist or Senior Scientist, cell-based phenotypic screening
Small Molecule Discovery Center
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
University of California, San Francisco

The Small Molecule Discovery Center (SMDC) at UCSF is seeking a highly collaborative cell biologist with a passion for chemical biology and drug discovery. The successful candidate will lead phenotypic assay development and high-throughput screening efforts, working with academic labs and biotechnology companies to advance small-molecule discovery for novel targets in cancer, neurodegeneration, and other therapeutic areas. Projects are highly diverse, and often include high-content imaging screens, patient-derived cells, advanced cell models, and/or high-throughput drug-combination studies. Scientists who enjoy working in diverse areas of biology and thrive in a team-oriented, multi-disciplinary environment are ideally suited for this position.
The position will report to Dr. Michelle Arkin, Professor and Chair of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. The Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry is one of the three departments in the School of Pharmacy at UCSF, one of the top ranked Pharmacy schools in the US. When biomedical research at UCSF uncovers new potential targets for drug discovery, the SMDC works with researchers to develop chemical tools and drug leads to further understand and exploit these targets for human health.

To learn about our science, visit our websites at:
https://pharm.ucsf.edu/smdc
https://pharm.ucsf.edu/arkin

Responsibilities include:

• Working with investigators to translate biological questions into high-throughput screens
• Designing, automating, and performing phenotypic screens and other cell-based high-throughput assays
• Developing image-analysis pipelines and visualizing data in HiTS, the SMDC’s informatics platform
• Developing secondary mechanistic assays and hit-validation workflows
• Identifying molecular targets of compounds identified in phenotypic assays
• Designing and analyzing drug-combination studies
• Performing other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• PhD and at least three years of post-doctoral experience
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture, cell based assays, microscopy, cell staining and immunofluorescence
• Enthusiasm for working in a team research environment, with demonstrated skills in collaboration
• Strong written and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with complex in vitro models, such as iPSCs, 3D cell culture, primary cells and tissues
• Expertise in high-content imaging analysis or related methodologies
• Expertise in at least one of the following areas of biology: cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolism, immunology
• Employment in biotech or pharmaceutical sector

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and training.

Applicants should submit a brief cover letter and a curriculum vitae. Please apply online and submit these documents along with the contact information for at least two references to: https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF03187

UCSF seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment of diversity and excellence. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.