Scientist, Organelle Proteomics (Biohub SF and Imaging Institute)

To develop a dynamic, integrated view of biological systems in health and disease, the Chan Zuckerberg Institute for Advanced Biological Imaging (CZ Imaging Institute) aims to push forward the development and application of new imaging technologies over the next 10 to 15 years. CZ Imaging Institute researchers will collaboratively develop breakthrough biological imaging systems centered around grand challenges that push the boundaries of what we can see and measure to obtain deep insights into the architecture of complex biological systems at the molecular level.

As an extension of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s Imaging program, the CZ Imaging Institute (https://czii.org/) will create breakthrough technologies — hardware, software, biological probes, data, and platforms — that will be made available to the scientific community and adopted worldwide through a combination of direct access to the Institute, open sharing of advances, and commercial partnerships.

The Opportunity

The CZ Biohub SF and the CZ Imaging Institute are joining forces to characterize the molecular architecture of human cells across scales, from angstroms to microns. We strive to map how cells are organized in space and time as an interacting network of biomolecules and functional pathways. Our science spans multiple disciplines, from cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and multi-omics, to data science and AI/ML (see Cho et al. Science 2022; Kobayashi et al. Nature Methods 2022; Hein et al. Cell 2025, Peck et al., bioRxiv 2024). We build large open-source datasets like OpenCell, Organelle Proteomics and the CryoET Data Portal, and use them to drive biological discoveries. 

This position is a collaboration between the Intracellular Architecture team at CZ Biohub SF, led by Manu Leonetti, and the Organelle Structure team at CZ Imaging Institute, led by Daniel Serwas. By integrating high-throughput CRISPR engineering, cryo-ET, live-cell imaging and proteomics, we aim to obtain quantitative molecular maps of human organelles, and how their organization changes in disease. 

We seek a Scientist to spearhead new proteomics and biochemical methods to characterize the molecular anatomy of cells. This role is ideal for a biologist or biochemist with experience in both experimental assays and analysis of large datasets. Come join an interdisciplinary team of biologists, technologists, data scientists and engineers! 

This role will be based in San Francisco initially, with a planned transition to Redwood City in two years.

You will

• Design and apply spatial proteomics methods (e.g. cross-linking mass spectrometry, proximity ligation) to profile organelle architecture in different cellular models
• Analyze large proteomics datasets to derive biological insights
• Collaborate closely with and give feedback to Structural Biologists, Data Scientists, and Imaging Experts to build quantitative models of cellular organization and discover new biology
• Lead innovative research and contribute to top-tier publications and conference presentations
• Learn and integrate relevant new technologies and methodologies
• Explain technical concepts to a multi-disciplinary team of biologists, engineers, and computational experts
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a collaborative, continuous-learning environment

You have

Essential –

• Recent (< 2 years) PhD. in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biophysics or related field;
• 4+ years of experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics methods
• 4+ years of experience in cell biology and tissue culture models
• 3+ years experience in quantitative data analysis (Python, R, etc…)
• A track record of impactful publications demonstrating expertise in extracting biological insights from proteomics data
• A technical understanding of mass spectrometry instruments
• A passion for research and understanding how cells work
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice to have -

• Experience with CRISPR and cell engineering
• Experience with network analysis
• Familiarity with cryo-ET and structural biology methods

Compensation

The San Francisco, CA base pay range for this role is Scientist I = $108,000.00 - $148,500.00 and Scientist II = $121,600.00 - $167,200.00. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. 

What We Provide

• Resources to collaboratively develop breakthrough biological imaging systems that push the boundaries of what we can see and measure
• An environment where nothing is considered impossible, where bold and creative thinking are the norm, and where a collaborative culture allows teams of people from multiple disciplines to accomplish more than any single person can achieve alone
• Access to collaborators and resources at partner organizations in the CZ Biohub Network and beyond
• Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with experience

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

Benefits

We offer a robust benefits program that enables the important work employees do everyday. Our benefits include healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning services with fertility care, childcare stipend, 401(k) match, flexible time off and a generous parental leave policy. In addition, we honor our commitment to career development and our value of scholarly excellence through regular onsite opportunities to learn from the world's leading scientists.

The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of thought, ideas and perspectives. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all employees feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. The CZ Biohub Network does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. The CZ Biohub Network will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with the CZ Biohub Network.