Research Assistant - 129931

Updated: 20 days ago
Location: La Jolla, CALIFORNIA
Deadline: ;

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 05/23/2024 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 06/03/2024. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.


Under supervision, assist with experiments, make observations, and record experimental data related to research projects. Use molecular biological techniques to assist in the development of plasmid and viral based gene transfer vectors. Assist with animal studies including assisting with breeding transgenic mice, injections, and maintaining and screening transgenic mouse colony. Assist with in vivo fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, necropsy, tissue trimming and histology. Prepare tissue cultures of primary lymphocytes and propagation of tumor cell lines. Extract RNA, reverse transcribe cDNA, perform RT-PCR, mini preps of plasmids and their analysis by gel. Perform basic cellular immunology tests to assess immunity such as FACS and CFSE proliferative assays, and automatic cells counting. Media and buffer preparation. Maintain lab records, and order supplies on an as needed basis.

  • Theoretical knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and genetics, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through a Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field; and/or equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

  • Experience assisting with tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures.

  • Ability to work with human tissues; tissue trimming, histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy.

  • Experience with data analysis using Excel and Prism software.

  • Experience working with basic aseptic and tissue culture techniques.

  • Ability to work with cell culture, media preparation, and DNA electrophoresis.

  • Willingness to follow step-wise experimental protocols.

  • Ability to use basic laboratory equipment including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.

  • Willingness to become familiar with proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials.

  • Willingness to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

  • Familiarity with computer software to analyze data, store results and compute raw data.

  • Willingness to maintain confidentiality.

  • Willingness to learn organizational skills as they relate to maintain lab equipment and supplies.

  • Ability to perform basic PCR and ELISA techniques.

  • Willingness to work with other staff members, students, faculty etc.

  • Theoretical knowledge of normal and malignant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology sufficient to aid in the design and interpretation of experiments on those topics.

  • Theoretical knowledge of microbiology, cellular, molecular and prostate cancer biology.

  • Knowledge of current prostate cancer disease models and understanding of clinical features of prostate cancer and treatments.

  • Experience using patient databases, such as EPIC.

  • Ability to operate and maintain various lab equipment such as confocal and quantitative fluorescent microscopes, centrifuges, nanodrop and IVIS imaging machine.

  • Experience with caring for and handling small lab animals (mice) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Experience euthanizing small laboratory animals. Familiarity with the writing of Animal Subjects protocols and with the surgical procedures. Willingness and ability to work with rodents and/or other lab animals and/or infected samples.

  • Ability to perform digital immunohistochemical image analysis using Aperio algorithms.

  • Must be willing and able to work in BioSafety Level II environment.

  • Must be willing and able to work with small animals and biohazardous materials.

  • Must be willing and able to work with human cells.


Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $53,766 - $64,143 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $25.75 - $30.72

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).


If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.



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