Research Associate – Preclinical Imaging

About the job

Employment Duration: 4 months

The UCSF Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) is dedicated to research focused on neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple system atrophy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and prion diseases.

The In Vivo Research Associate – Preclinical Imaging will support research involving rodent models of neurodegenerative disease, with a primary focus on hands-on in vivo animal work and small-animal imaging. Working closely with research, animal-care, and drug-discovery teams, this individual will prepare animals for imaging studies, administer materials to mice, operate in vivo imaging equipment, support imaging-related data activities, and perform specialized rodent procedures.

The position requires strong hands-on experience working with rodent models, including animal handling, restraint, dosing, tissue collection, and research documentation. Experience with PET/MRI imaging is highly desirable but is not required.

Approximately 5–10% of the role may involve ad hoc activities supporting the broader needs of the animal facility and research team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in the execution and documentation of in vivo animal studies supporting neurodegenerative disease and drug-discovery research.
• Prepare mice and rats for small-animal imaging studies and operate in vivo imaging equipment.
• Support imaging procedures, including preparation and administration of study materials to animals.
• Contribute to imaging-related study activities and associated research data.
• Safely handle and restrain mice and rats and perform appropriate rodent dosing procedures.
• Perform tissue collection, preservation, storage, and other sample-handling activities associated with animal studies.
• Perform technical rodent procedures associated with in vivo research studies.
• Coordinate study execution in consultation with supervisors and relevant drug-discovery stakeholders.
• Identify potential study issues and communicate concerns promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain accurate hardcopy and electronic research and experimental records.
• Prepare project updates and communicate effectively with research stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with research staff, animal-care personnel, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Support the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures associated with assigned activities.
• Assist with training laboratory members on relevant rodent and in vivo research techniques as appropriate.
• Spend approximately 5–10% of effort supporting ad hoc animal-facility and research-team needs, which may include animal care, husbandry, colony maintenance, cage washing, animal-welfare checks, and other critical activities.

Responsibilities

N/A

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related science and one or more years of recent, directly related work experience following degree completion utilizing techniques or methods relevant to the position; an equivalent combination of education and experience; or, for candidates without a BA/BS, three or more years of relevant experience.
• A few years of hands-on experience working with rodent models in an in vivo research environment, including experience with tissue handling.
• Experience and proficiency in animal preparation and operation of in vivo imaging systems for small animals, including optical, nuclear, and/or anatomical imaging modalities.
• Full proficiency in rodent and small-mammal biomethodology, including handling, restraint, and dosing.
• Experience with tissue collection, preservation, and storage.
• Ability to safely and effectively handle mice and rats.
• Ability to coordinate study execution following consultation with relevant drug-discovery stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work successfully both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary groups.
• Excellent hardcopy and electronic record-keeping skills.
• Flexibility to orient and work at other UCSF locations (on occasion).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with in vivo imaging, particularly PET or PET/MRI small-animal imaging.
• Valid California driver's license.
• Experience with aseptic technique, anesthesia, and post-operative care.
• Experience working safely and efficiently under ABSL1–ABSL2 conditions.

About Us

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 10230
• Job Category: Research and Laboratory
• Job Schedule: Full time
• Locations: 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 94158, US ()
• Shift Length: 8 hours
• Additional Shift Details: 7am-3:30pm Mon-Fri or Wed-Sun depending on project needs. Occasional atypical working hours may be needed
• Budgeted Job Salary Range: 36.31 – 48.65
• Campus Location 1: Hunters Point (SF)
• Bargaining Unit: TX
• Employee Class: Limited Appt
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Job Code and Payroll Title: 009523 | ANML TCHN PRN
• Workplace: Fully On-Site
• FTE%: 100.00