Research Assistant

Focuses on the organization, management, and archiving of research data for a variety of studies, projects, and initiatives. Supports research programs by ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and compliance with institutional guidelines for secure data handling and storage. Assists with the development and implementation of data management protocols, maintains detailed documentation of data workflows, and collaborates with research team members to ensure proper data organization and version control. Provides support for data queries, tracking, and updates to facilitate efficient project progression and reporting.

The Research Assistant is ideally suited for recent university graduates who want to gain research experience and strengthen their preparation for MD or PhD studies after earning a Bachelor's or Master's degree. The anticipated term for this position is one year. The primary focus of this role is supporting multicenter pediatric trauma research by organizing, archiving, and managing large multimodal datasets, as well as contributing to analytical studies related to machine learning, clinical decision rules, and time-to-intervention evaluations.

Responsibilities include curating, organizing, and archiving research data across multiple studies; maintaining meticulous version control and data documentation; collaborating closely with research fellows, data scientists, and faculty on dataset development and preparation for analysis; assisting with data exploration, quality control, and troubleshooting; synthesizing literature related to trauma, clinical decision rules, and diagnostic imaging; and preparing research reports, abstracts, and figures for presentations and publications.

This role offers the opportunity to develop essential research and data management skills using real-world clinical datasets, with exposure to advanced computational tools and professional development through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates with interests in clinical research, pediatric emergency medicine, computer vision, or data science are highly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is self-directed, detail-oriented, and an effective communicator in both written and spoken English. Prior research experience is a plus but not required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science or related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Basic skills to analyze and research information and learn to synthesize large amounts of data with exquisite attention to detail.
• Basic program and project management skills.
• Ability to closely monitor computing resource usage and associated costs, ensuring the project stays within budget, and provide regular spending updates.
• Ability to meet precise deadlines and be part of a fast-paced problem-solving team that works with minimum supervision and is extremely motivated
• Technical proficiency in standard Microsoft Office Software and ability to learn UCSF computational resources including but not limited to Research Analysis Environment and Scientific Computing Services for secure data hosting and computing services
• High integrity and strong work ethic
• Skills to learn organization-specific and other computer application programs.
• Basic communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.

• Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Analytical abilities and familiarity with programming tools including: Python (including Pandas, Sci-kit Learn, OpenCV, PyTorch), R, SQL, HTML/CSS, C, STATA
• Coursework in Machine Learning, Algorithms/Advanced Data Structures, Data Science, Probability, Data Graphics and Visualizations, Modern Regression, Technical Writing, High Dimensional Inference
• Familiarity with software: MS Office, Tableau, Figma, Smartsheets, MD.Ai, REDCap

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science or related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Basic skills to analyze and research information and learn to synthesize large amounts of data with exquisite attention to detail.
• Basic program and project management skills.
• Ability to closely monitor computing resource usage and associated costs, ensuring the project stays within budget, and provide regular spending updates.
• Ability to meet precise deadlines and be part of a fast-paced problem-solving team that works with minimum supervision and is extremely motivated
• Technical proficiency in standard Microsoft Office Software and ability to learn UCSF computational resources including but not limited to Research Analysis Environment and Scientific Computing Services for secure data hosting and computing services
• High integrity and strong work ethic
• Skills to learn organization-specific and other computer application programs.
• Basic communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.

• Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Analytical abilities and familiarity with programming tools including: Python (including Pandas, Sci-kit Learn, OpenCV, PyTorch), R, SQL, HTML/CSS, C, STATA
• Coursework in Machine Learning, Algorithms/Advanced Data Structures, Data Science, Probability, Data Graphics and Visualizations, Modern Regression, Technical Writing, High Dimensional Inference
• Familiarity with software: MS Office, Tableau, Figma, Smartsheets, MD.Ai, REDCap