Last Updated: April 25, 2026
UCSF Health is an academic medical center affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco; it employs nurses, physicians, research scientists, medical assistants, and IT professionals across clinical care, research, and administrative functions.
How to Apply at UCSF Health
- Visit UCSF Health’s careers page (jobs.ucsf.edu or ucsf-health.org/careers) and browse open positions by job category, location (San Francisco, Fresno, Oakland, or satellite clinics), and employment type (full-time, part-time, temporary).
- Select a position and review the job description, required qualifications, education, licenses/certifications, and salary range; note the department and reporting structure.
- Create a profile on UCSF’s application portal (typically UC Jobs system) with your personal information, employment history, and education details.
- Upload your resume, cover letter, and any relevant professional licenses (RN license, medical degree, research credentials) and certifications.
- Answer screening questions and complete any required assessments (clinical skills evaluation for nurses, coding/technical assessments for IT roles, research experience questions for scientists).
- Submit your application and monitor your email for status updates; UCSF HR typically reviews applications within 1–2 weeks.
- Selected candidates will receive an email invitation to schedule a phone or video interview with the hiring manager or clinical supervisor.
- After successful interviews, you will complete a background check, medical clearance (including required vaccinations for healthcare workers), and reference verification before receiving a formal offer.
UCSF Health Job Positions and Pay Rates
| Position | Average Pay | Work Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) – Medical/Surgical | $78,000–$120,000/year | Full-time, 12-hour shifts (days/nights) |
| Physician (MD/DO) – Primary Care or Specialty | $220,000–$380,000/year | Full-time, outpatient or inpatient, on-call |
| Research Scientist (PhD or Masters) | $65,000–$95,000/year | Full-time, lab-based 8am–5pm + some flexibility |
| Medical Assistant (MA/CNA) | $40,000–$52,000/year | Full-time, clinical support 8am–5pm |
| IT Analyst – Healthcare Systems | $70,000–$100,000/year | Full-time, hybrid (3 days on-site) |
| Clinical Research Coordinator | $50,000–$68,000/year | Full-time, office-based 8am–5pm |
| Nurse Manager – Clinical Unit | $100,000–$130,000/year | Full-time, flexible 8am–5pm schedule |
| Postdoctoral Scholar (Research) | $58,000–$72,000/year | Full-time, lab-based, flexible hours |
Working at UCSF Health: What to Expect
UCSF Health is an academic medical center integrated with the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, ranking among the nation’s top academic medical centers. UCSF operates multiple hospitals (Moffitt Hospital, Benioff Children’s Hospital, Mission Bay medical campus) and extensive outpatient clinics. The organization employs over 35,000 people and serves diverse patient populations, including underserved and complex-case patients referred from throughout Northern California and beyond. Registered Nurses work in clinical units (ICU, medical-surgical, emergency, oncology) providing direct patient care, medication administration, wound care, and patient education; shift work is standard (12-hour shifts, rotating days/nights/weekends). Physicians work in primary care clinics, specialty departments, or inpatient settings, managing patient caseloads, conducting research, and teaching residents and fellows (UCSF is a teaching hospital). Research Scientists conduct clinical or basic science research, publish findings, and secure funding; this role is ideal for PhD holders or advanced degree holders interested in scientific discovery. Medical Assistants support physicians and nurses in clinical settings, performing vital signs, patient preparation, and administrative tasks. IT Analysts support UCSF’s electronic health record systems (Epic), healthcare analytics platforms, and IT infrastructure; hybrid and remote options are available. Clinical Research Coordinators enroll patients in studies, collect data, ensure informed consent, and manage study protocols. Nurse Managers supervise nursing units, manage budgets, ensure quality metrics, and mentor nurses. Postdoctoral Scholars conduct research under faculty mentorship, typically on 1–3 year fellowships. The culture emphasizes evidence-based medicine, research innovation, teaching, and patient-centered care. UCSF is mission-driven and attracts healthcare professionals committed to advancing medicine and serving diverse patient populations. Benefits include medical insurance, dental, vision, 403(b) retirement plan (similar to 401k), tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and paid time off (starting 18 days for clinical/administrative staff, more for physicians). Career development is strong; UCSF promotes internal advancement and offers opportunities to lead research projects, mentor residents, or move into administrative leadership. The academic environment means ongoing learning, collaboration with leading physicians and scientists, and exposure to cutting-edge treatments and research. Clinical roles involve shift work and on-call demands; academic roles blend teaching, research, and clinical practice; expect intellectual stimulation and work-life balance challenges during clinical rotations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications or licenses do UCSF RNs need?
UCSF requires an active, unrestricted California Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additional certifications (ACLS, BLS, specialty certifications like CCRN for ICU nurses) are preferred and may be required for certain units. UCSF provides and subsidizes certification training and renewal costs for employees.
Do physicians at UCSF Health teach residents and students?
Yes, UCSF is a teaching hospital affiliated with UCSF School of Medicine, so most physicians are involved in teaching residents, fellows, and medical students. Teaching responsibilities vary by specialty and department; some physicians focus primarily on patient care with minimal teaching, while others blend clinical practice with teaching and research roles.
What vaccinations or medical clearances are required?
All UCSF Health employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (with documented immunity or vaccination). A TB (tuberculosis) skin test and health screening are standard; some roles may require additional occupational health assessments.
Can I work part-time or with flexible hours at UCSF?
Clinical roles (nursing, medical assistant) are typically full-time, though part-time and per diem (as-needed) positions exist for some departments. Research and IT roles often offer more flexibility and may permit part-time arrangements. Physician roles are predominantly full-time; hybrid clinical/research roles are common in academic settings.
Does UCSF support tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees?
Yes, UCSF offers tuition reimbursement for job-related education, including RN-to-BSN programs, Master’s degrees in nursing, and other health professions degrees. Typically UCSF covers up to $10,000 annually; reimbursement is contingent on maintaining employment and academic progress.
What is the hiring timeline at UCSF Health?
UCSF’s typical timeline is 4–8 weeks from application to offer: 1–2 weeks for initial screening, 1–2 weeks for interviews, 1–2 weeks for background check and medical clearance, and 1 week for offer. Some roles (physicians, senior researchers) may extend to 10–12 weeks due to additional credential verification.