Staff Research Associate - 128722

This is a 100% Limited position for seven months. This appointment may be extended or converted to career status based on the needs of the department.

UC San Diego is a student-centered, research-focused, service-oriented public institution, recognized as one of the top 15 research universities worldwide. The University fosters a culture of collaboration that sparks innovative discoveries that advance society and drive economic impact. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (Chem/Biochem) is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. Our department combines research on the most consequential and revelatory scientific areas with education aimed at building our future leaders and scientists.

Chem/Biochem strives to be a top-ranked and recognized leader in the chemical and biochemical sciences through transformative research and impactful educational programs. We are committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring excellence and supporting students and postdoctoral researchers in safe and inclusive environments as they prepare to become leaders in science and society. We value collegiality, equity and diversity with the Department, and promote a culture of collaboration and transparency. We aim to enhance our impact in local and global communities through partnerships with other educators, industry, government and professional societies.

Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. The department’s organization is divided among three major academic sections each with its own leadership (Section Chair and Vice Chair) representation under the Department Chair: Physical, Analytical & Environmental (PAE); Biochemistry & Biophysics (BB); and finally Synthesis, Materials and Chemical Biology (SMCB). The department is comprised of 73 ladder rank faculty, an additional 15 in various instructional titles, and ~150 in academic research titles and postdoctoral scholars. The department is comprised of 100 career staff; ~60 temporary or student staff, and 400 Master’s and Ph.D. students. There are 1,700 undergraduate students enrolling in 5 majors with total annual course enrollments exceeding 27,000. Chem/Biochem manages $30 million annually in extramural funding and approximately $63 million in total annual expenditures. The Department occupies space in 7 buildings, totaling 237,000 ASF, including class laboratories and instructional support space, research labs, and recharge facilities.

Additional information can be found on our webpage at https://chemistry.ucsd.edu/ research organizations.

The Devaraj Lab in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at UC San Diego is an interdisciplinary research group interested in advancing chemical biology by extending the use of bioconjugation reactions into previously unexplored frontiers. Incumbent will conduct a variety of experimental procedures for ongoing research projects focusing on synthesis and purification of peptides for self-assembling nano carriers. Under supervision, the Staff Research associate will be involved in peptide synthesis and characterization. Incumbent will also maintain lab equipment and supplies as well as general lab duties. Interact professionally with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, students, collaborators, visiting scholars, and research technicians in a medium-sized laboratory.

Must be willing to work with hazardous chemicals and materials.

• Experience in mammalian cell culture.

• Experience in western blotting (immunoblotting), qPCR, and affinity purification.

• Theoretical knowledge of Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or related field generally acquired through a Bachelor’s Degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of Molecular Biology techniques, including PCR, DNA/RNA/protein isolation and molecular cloning.

• Ability to record scientific data in a well-organized laboratory notebook. Good organizational skills including ability to keep clear and accurate records.

• Skill to organize time, set priorities, meet established deadlines, and recognize new problems with constantly changing priorities and frequent interruptions.

• Ability to develop organization of the research work environment of schedules, reagents, and data. Skill to use independent judgment and to make decisions and solve complex problems.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Knowledge of specialized scientific terminology.

• Demonstrated successful, positive interpersonal oral and written communication skills using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds.

• Knowledge of necessary lab safety procedures and requirements, as well as chemical disposal guidelines. Knowledge of lab environmental, health, and safety regulations and familiarity with campus safety procedures. Knowledge/understanding and at least some experience with Safety Data Sheets, hazard communication and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Familiarity with a Chemical Hygiene Plan addressing safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of protective items. Willingness and ability to keep safety training current and consistent with research involvement.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of matters related to work.

• Background Check required.

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.

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 .

The University of California 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

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