Staff Research Associate 1 or 2 - 130041

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 5/28/24 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 6/7/24. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Position will be filled either as a Staff Research Associate 1 or SRA 2, based on the qualification and experience of the candidate selected.

The Staff Research Associate will assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in independently performing experiments aimed at understanding the role of the protein degradation machinery in maintaining cellular homeostasis during and after acute and chronic cellular stresses. The selective removal of damaged proteins is needed to protect critical cellular functions and the inability to properly destroy proteins has been linked to various neurological disorders, cancers, and normal human aging. The incumbent will assist in performing experiments towards a global and systematic investigation of the protein degradation machinery using molecular biological, cell biological, and proteomic techniques. The incumbent will also independently establish and optimize biochemical purification protocols to isolate active translation and ubiquitylation complexes.

Duties will include the following: grow and maintain human cell cultures using sterile tissue culture techniques and biochemistry and molecular biology procedures such as DNA isolation, recombination-based cDNA cloning, bacterial transformation and growth, protein purification, Western-blotting, etc. The incumbent will also oversee the overall maintenance of the lab which includes ordering laboratory reagents, cataloging reagents, maintaining an inventory of plasmid, cell, and antibody stocks, maintaining common laboratory stock solutions, and assisting in the direction of undergraduate laboratory assistants. Further the incumbent will also independently coordinate collaborative projects and sample analysis from collaborators within the Division of Biological Sciences and within the UCSD Medical School. In addition, when appropriate, the incumbent will assist in the preparation of scientific manuscripts based on experiments performed and participate in laboratory meetings and journal discussions.

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular and cellular biology acquired through a Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated extensive experience with molecular biology and protein techniques such as recombination-based cDNA cloning, Gibson assembly of cDNA plasmids, protein gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting

• Experience in the preparation of scientific reagents including common buffers and stock solutions

• Expertise and demonstrated knowledge and experience with basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, micro-pipettes, biosafety cabinets, incubators, autoclaves, balances, pH meters, and microscopes

• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise with sterile technique for both cell and bacterial culture

• Excellent organizational and administrative skills including the ability to keep accurate records, follow written and oral protocols and give oral presentations about research projects.

• General computer skills, proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, and a willingness to learn new programs as needed. Skill to set up and maintain computerized databases of plasmid, cell, and antibody inventories.

• Basic mathematical computation skills required to maintain accurate data and to prepare reagent solutions.

• Excellent intrapersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability in using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Skill to work as part of a research team and to interact effectively with faculty, students, and staff.

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and to organize a varied workload to meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to read and follow established lab protocols and work effectively with minimal instruction.

• Extensive knowledge of purchasing and reimbursement procedures. Skill in maintaining steady levels of lab supplies, maintaining purchasing records, and training others in purchasing procedures.

• Excellent communication skills required to interact with and direct both casual workers, vendors, and other support staff in a clear and concise manner.

• Awareness of Material Safety Data Sheets, hazardous communication, and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Knowledge of laboratory safety precautions, including the use of personal protecting equipment and the ability to inform and train other laboratory members in safety precautions.

• Independent experience utilizing protein isolation and purification techniques to generate in vitro assays.

• Proven ability to hire undergraduate students and direct/oversee their work.

• Strong knowledge and experience with retroviral expression systems and ability to generate concentrated retroviral stocks for in vivo experiments.

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.

• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule and overtime that may include occasional evenings and weekends as required by experiments

• Background check required.

• Position will be filled either as a Staff Research Associate 1 or SRA 2, based on the qualification and experience of the candidate selected.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $58,505 - $94,113 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $28.02 - $45.07

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.

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.