Research Associate, Zebrafish Virus Infection Biology (Balla Group - Biohub SF) - Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco : Job Details

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco (CZ Biohub SF) ( is an independent nonprofit research institute that unites Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco into a collaborative technology and discovery hub. CZ Biohub SF supports top engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to investigate disease mechanisms and develop diagnostics and therapies. Our core values include scholarly excellence, disruptive innovation, hands-on engineering, partnership, open communication, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• Address large scientific challenges beyond conventional settings
• Support investigators pursuing risky, innovative ideas
• Develop technologies to facilitate research across institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought and perspective fuels our innovation and excellence. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every colleague feels valued and impactful.

The Opportunity

The Balla group is assembling an interdisciplinary team with expertise in molecular biology, microscopy, virology, and immunology to study virus infection using zebrafish as a model. We seek an energetic, curious, team-oriented Research Associate to help develop genetically modified viruses in zebrafish and tissue culture models. These tools will aid in profiling, predicting, and engineering immune responses to viral infections and inflammation. The role is based in San Francisco initially, transitioning to Redwood City in two years.

You will

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in a life science with at least 1 year of molecular biology lab experience (including nucleic acid isolation, PCR, cloning, bacterial culture)
• Have 1 year of experience with zebrafish and/or tissue culture
• Be familiar with techniques for characterizing RNA virus replication (qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization, TCID50, plaque assay, etc.)
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Be a dedicated team player capable of independent work
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills

You have

• At least 1 year of aquaculture experience
• Interest in biology, animal husbandry, behavior, or related fields
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of Python
• Experience with widefield or confocal microscopy
• Hands-on experience working with viruses

Compensation

The base salary in San Francisco ranges from $52,000 to $77,000 for Research Associate I, and $67,000 to $99,000 for Research Associate II. New hires typically start at the lower end, with opportunities for growth based on skills and experience. Exact placement depends on the interview and evaluation process.

What We Provide

• Resources to advance biological and disease research
• A collaborative environment with diverse expertise
• Access to facilities and collaborators at Stanford, UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and partner organizations
• Competitive salary and benefits

We encourage applicants even if their experience doesn't match every qualification, as they may still be an excellent fit.

Our benefits include healthcare, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning, childcare stipend, 401(k) matching, flexible time off, and parental leave. We also support career development through onsite learning opportunities with leading scientists.

The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected categories, in accordance with applicable law. We consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records under the California Fair Chance Act.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies are not authorized to submit resumes or CVs. The CZ Biohub Network does not pay fees to unapproved third-party agencies.