Research Associate - 128307

Updated: 12 days ago
Location: La Jolla, CALIFORNIA
Deadline: ;

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 03/01/2024 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 03/12/2024 Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.


UCSD Health Sciences is a $1 billion dollar plus organization encompassing 16 academic departments (14 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 2 pre-academic/hospital departments, 2 professional schools (School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), 2 hospitals, and various other programs and units all dedicated towards fulfilling the Health Sciences missions. The UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers study fundamental cellular processes and pathways using a variety of techniques from classical genetics and fluorescence microscopy to high-throughput genomics, systems biology, and crystallography. Our 36 faculty and over 200 postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and research staff work on the cutting edge of biology, cutting across fields from basic biochemistry and genetics to genomics, systems biology and stem cell biology. The faculty also play a major role in medical and graduate student training, providing educational and programmatic offerings that span several disciplines and provide diversity to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of students and scholars. The diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and talents creates a robust work environment with challenging career opportunities and a commitment to continued growth potential. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically-advanced, and deeply interested individuals who are ready to become a part of our dynamic research and educational environment.

Under supervision, the incumbent will independently participate in planning and executing various laboratory activities to study gene regulation in the mammalian system that requires a combination of knowledge and skills in multiple scientific disciplines related to next generation sequencing technologies, genomics, molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemistry. Duties will include independently performing experiments such as ChIP-seq in cell lines and various tissues to contribute to the overall success of the project, conducting various cell culture as needed to generate materials for sequencing, laboratory maintenance, learning to summarize and prepare technical presentations for updating supervisor and collaborators as appropriate. In addition, the research associate will independently maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments. This position will also be responsible for preparing data and experimental description for publication.

  • Theoretical knowledge in scientific disciplines related to next generation sequencing technologies, genomics, molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemistry, as typically attained by a bachelor’s degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Proven ability or experience performing molecular biology techniques such as RNA or DNA FISH, IF staining, PCR and quantitative PCR. Hands-on experience with assays such as RNA-seq is a plus, but not required.

  • Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as MS Word and Excel. Experience in a UNIX command environment is a plus, but not required.

  • Proven ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials.

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Demonstrated experience maintaining effective working relationships in a diverse laboratory environment.

  • Proven ability to communicate effectively with collaborators, research staff, and function as a member of a research team. Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a diverse laboratory environment.

  • Enthusiasm for learning new techniques, and working in a fast-paced atmosphere.

  • Demonstrated skill or ability to perform molecular cloning and mammalian cell culture.

  • Proven experience with lentivirus and/or AAV preparation.

  • Proven ability to independently plan and perform experiments such as ChIP-seq.

  • Demonstrated ability to recognize potential problems, understand, and troubleshoot assays.

  • Skill to perform specialized cell biology of frozen and fixed sections consisting of measuring tissue, pulverization with liquid nitrogen, crosslinking, and dissociation of tissue, nuclei extraction, and restriction enzyme digestion.

  • Skill to perform specialized cell biology of frozen and fixed sections consisting of measuring tissue, pulverization with liquid nitrogen, crosslinking, and dissociation of tissue, nuclei extraction, and restriction enzyme digestion.

  • Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

  • Willingness to work with animals, adenovirus, lentivirus, radioactive material, human genomic tissue, and standard hazardous laboratory compounds.

  • Willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary.


Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $58,548 - $94,190 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $28.04 - $45.11

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 Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

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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