Research Associate I- Alexanian Lab

Who we are:

The Gladstone Institutes is a distinguished independent, not-for-profit research institution dedicated to advancing human health through cutting-edge medical research and education. Our work spans neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, immunology, and stem cell biology, with a focus on overcoming disease. With a team of approximately 600 members, including renowned leaders in science and biomedicine, Gladstone operates across five institutes, alongside various centers and programs. Located at the Mission Bay Campus in an award-winning building, Gladstone offers competitive salaries and benefits, providing an optimal environment for individuals to realize their full potential and make a meaningful impact on global health

About the role:

Are you excited about uncovering the molecular mechanisms that drive cellular behavior—and how these processes go awry in disease? The Alexanian Lab at the Gladstone Institutes is looking for a curious and motivated Research Associate (RA) to join our growing team!

We are a new lab dedicated to understanding the gene-regulatory and epigenetic mechanisms that govern cellular plasticity in both normal and disease contexts, with a particular focus on heart disease. Our long-term goal is to uncover insights that can inform new therapies targeting gene regulation in chronic diseases characterized by harmful changes in cell behavior and tissue structure.

What you will do:

As a Research Associate, you will work closely with the team on a range of exciting and interdisciplinary projects. Your responsibilities will include:

• Molecular biology techniques: cloning, plasmid DNA prep, PCR, gel electrophoresis, RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation

• Cell culture: work with primary cells and human stem cells, transfection, and virus production

• Genomic technologies: gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools like single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq, CRISPR-based screening, CUT&RUN, and PRO-seq

• Computational biology and AI: support analysis of large-scale genomic datasets, contribute to data processing and visualization, and participate in projects using machine learning models to understand cell states and predict gene regulatory programs

• Animal work: mouse colony management, genotyping, dissections, and breeding design
  Lab operations: help maintain lab function through ordering, supply management, and equipment upkeep

What you will need:

• BA/BS degree in related field

• Excellent teamwork, organizational, communication, and time-management skills

• Team worker

• Highly self-motivated, reliable and responsible.

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written)

• Willingness and ability to learn new skills and explore

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team

• Excellent organization and time management skills

• Attention to detail in experimental techniques and record keeping.

• 1+ years wet lab experience (in addition to lab coursework), preferred

Why join us:

This position is ideal for recent graduates considering graduate or medical school, or for candidates looking to gain in-depth experience in a dynamic academic research environment. RAs in our lab are considered full scientific contributors—they are expected to take ownership of their projects, drive experiments independently, help shape the direction of the research, and publish their work.

The Alexanian Lab is a collaborative team committed to mentorship, creativity, scientific curiosity, and fostering an inclusive environment. The lab is part of the vibrant research community on the Gladstone–UCSF Mission Bay campus, offering rich opportunities for learning and collaboration.

What to include:

Resume / cover letter

***We are ideally looking for a candidate to start in summer 2026, but we can accommodate a later start date for the right person.

Salary Range:

$28.35/hr. - $32.21/hr.

Gladstone Perks & Benefits

• People–work with talented, committed, and supportive teammates within an organization that values each member of its community.

• A meaningful place to grow and learn–whether it’s your professional skills or scientific knowledge, we have the resources and environment to advance either so you can better support Gladstone’s mission to drive a new era of discovery in disease-oriented science and to mentor tomorrow’s leaders in an inspiring and excellent environment.

• Healthy work/life balance–you are highly engaged and productive at work because you can have time to recharge and enjoy a vibrant life outside of work.

• Compensation–competitive salary. Title and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

• Excellent benefits–generous medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid vacation, commuter benefits, access to free shuttle transportation.
   

​Gladstone is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other non-job related characteristic. We make all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment.