Lab Assistant Pediatrics

This position exists to support the research program of the Cromer Lab, which focuses on genome engineering and synthetic biology approaches to understand and control human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) biology. The lab develops and applies CRISPR-based functional genomics tools, including pooled screening approaches, to identify genetic regulators of erythropoiesis and to enable scalable production and engineering of red blood cells for therapeutic applications.

The incumbent will contribute to experimental workflows involving primary human HSPC culture, genome editing, and high-throughput CRISPR screening. This includes supporting lentiviral library production, transduction of primary cells, and downstream phenotypic and molecular analyses. The position plays a key role in advancing efforts to develop next-generation cell therapies through precise and scalable genome engineering.

The Cromer Lab is part of the UCSF research community and offers a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment spanning stem cell biology, genome engineering, and translational science. This position provides an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking hands-on experience with cutting-edge functional genomics technologies in primary human cells, with prior lab members advancing to graduate programs, medical training, and careers in biotechnology.

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.

The mission of the UCSF Department of Surgery is threefold: to develop the next generation of leaders in surgery; to provide outstanding quality clinical care that is cost effective, yet compassionate; and to make significant advances in scientific knowledge and clinical practice through basic and clinical research. Care of patients is what attracted our faculty and residents to surgery, and it continues to be our main focus.

The Department is comprised of eleven divisions that include Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Transplant Surgery, and Vascular & Endovascular Surgery. Our surgeons provide care at locations throughout greater San Francisco including: UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus (Moffitt-Long Hospital), UCSF Medical Center at Mt. Zion, UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco VA Medical Center, and Alameda County Medical Center in Oakland. Our residents also rotate through UCSF Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, and California Pacific Medical Center.

Pediatric Surgery Team consists of internationally recognized leaders providing care at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals at San Francisco and Oakland. Our pediatric general surgery team takes a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care for all who need us. Pediatric Surgery team is responsible for the management of the faculty, research and residents.

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) culture and erythroid differentiation, including cytokine-driven protocols and optimization of maturation and enucleation

• Proficiency in flow cytometry for assessing cell phenotype, differentiation efficiency, and reporter-based readouts

• Experience with lentiviral production and transduction in primary human cells

• Strong background in CRISPR-based genome engineering, including design, cloning, and execution of pooled CRISPR screens (e.g., CRISPRa/i libraries)

• Competence in core molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, plasmid preparation, sequencing validation)

• Experience working with primary human cells, including CD34⁺ HSPC isolation or enrichment

• Demonstrated ability to independently execute and troubleshoot complex experimental workflows

• Prior experience preparing reagents and solutions in a research laboratory setting

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Precise attention to detail.

• Ability to organize data and keep detailed records.

• Proficiency with software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Excellent communication skills in English.

• Demonstrate excellent attendance and reliability.