Research Associate

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 07/31/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor. Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance. DESCRIPTION The Department of Medicine is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research, and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego and employs 486+ full-time salaried faculty members and 100+ academic appointees. Staff personnel include 600+ staff in 9 bargaining units, students, and volunteers. There are 250 clinical faculty practicing at multiple sites and hospitals. Under supervision, the Research Associate will work in a translational hematology lab studying hematological malignancies. The incumbent will work with a variety of human blood and bone marrow samples and established human cell lines to study the onset, progression, and treatment of hematological malignancies. Incumbent will independently perform in vivo and in vitro assays, train new lab members, plan experiments, analyze data, and assist with contributing to scientific papers as needed. Incumbent will manage a large and complex mouse colony inventory and independently perform experiments assisting with technical determinations and observations related to research projects and design. Incumbent will keep detailed records of all aspects of experimental data. Incumbent will be responsible for laboratory management including the purchasing and maintenance of lab equipment, assist with monitoring lab expenditures/grant spending, and maintaining/organizing laboratory stocks and ordering supplies. Incumbent will assist in data preparation and drafting of manuscripts as needed. Incumbent will serve as the laboratory safety officer to ensure that safe work practices are followed as dictated by EH&S guidelines. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Theoretical knowledge in molecular biology and biochemistry as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with all aspects of tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures. Demonstrated skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment such as confocal and quantitative fluorescent microscopes, centrifuges, nanodrop, IVIS imaging machine, and flow cytometer. Experience with standard repetitive techniques that may be required in research protocols related to a specific lab. Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and apply protocols in conducting research. Demonstrated ability in following step wise experimental protocols. Skill to troubleshoot adaptations of experimental protocols. Experience in caring for and handling small lab animals (mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Experience in 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. Demonstrated experience working with human tissues; tissue trimming, histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy. Demonstrated experience reading and using Material Safety Data Sheets. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines. Demonstrated experience working in and maintaining a sterile environment. Demonstrated skill in accurate record keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data. Knowledge in basic math for maintaining ledgers, income and expenditure reports. Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as Access, MS Word and Excel. Knowledge to work with and learn new software for analysis. Manual dexterity and legible handwriting. Ability to assist with general lab maintenance, including cleaning and restocking supplies and managing a regular schedule in the lab. Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials. Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Ability to train students on same. Good organizational and time management skills. Knowledge sufficient to coordinate studies with other departments and the lab. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner. Demonstrated ability to assist in the writing of papers for publication, research proposals. Experience with processing and ficolling patient peripheral blood and bone marrow in order to perform cryogenic database management. Scientific knowledge of DNA plasmids and primers. 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. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in the design, construction, production, purification, and use of viral gene transfer vectors, including adenoviral, lentiviral and retroviral vectors. Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements including the ability to write with correct syntax and grammar and to clearly communicate ideas and protocols in writing to EH&S. SPECIAL CONDITIONS Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. Employment is subject to a criminal background check. Employment is subject to pre-employment physical for those who work in clinical settings and/or with patients. Performs other duties as assigned. Complies with all policies and standards. Complies with the University of California, San Diego Health (UCSDH) Principles of Community. This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary. Must be willing to work with small animals. Must be willing to work with biohazardous and hazardous materials. Must be willing to travel. Majority of time will be spent at Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive La Jolla, CA 92037, but occasionally may need to travel to Moores Cancer Center 3855 Health Sciences Drive La Jolla, CA 92093. Pay Transparency Act Annual Full Pay Range: $68,466 - $110,142 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%) Hourly Equivalent: $32.79 - $52.75 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). #J-18808-Ljbffr