Research Assistant

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 6/30/2026 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.

Under supervision, assist with experiments, make observations, and record experimental data related to research projects. Use molecular biological techniques to assist in the development of plasmid and viral based gene transfer vectors. Assist with animal studies including assisting with breeding transgenic mice, injections, and maintaining and screening transgenic mouse colony. Assist with in vivo fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, necropsy, tissue trimming and histology. Prepare tissue cultures of primary lymphocytes and propagation of tumor cell lines. Extract RNA, reverse transcribe cDNA, perform RT-PCR, mini preps of plasmids and their analysis by gel. Perform basic cellular immunology tests to assess immunity such as FACS and CFSE proliferative assays, and automatic cells counting. Media and buffer preparation. Maintain lab records, and order supplies on an as needed basis.

• Theoretical knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and genetics, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through a Bachelor's degree in biology or related field; and/or equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

• Experience assisting with tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures.

• Experience with data analysis using Excel and Prism software.

• Experience working with basic aseptic and tissue culture techniques.

• Ability to work with human tissues; tissue trimming, histology analysis, and knowledge in necropsy.

• Ability to work with cell culture, media preparation, and DNA electrophoresis.

• Willingness to follow step-wise experimental protocols.

• Ability to use basic laboratory equipment including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, and electrophoresis equipment.

• Willingness to become familiar with proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials.

• Willingness to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Familiarity with computer software to analyze data, store results and compute raw data.

• Willingness to maintain confidentiality.

• Willingness to learn organizational skills as they relate to maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Ability to perform basic PCR and ELISA techniques.

• Willingness to work with other staff members, students, faculty etc.

• Ability to work with a variety of chemicals and biological materials while following appropriate safety procedures, including working with isoflurane in a fume hood and preparing solutions containing ammonium thiocyanate.

• Experience using patient databases, such as EPIC.

• Experience with caring for and handling small lab animals (mice) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Experience 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.

• 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.

• Theoretical knowledge of microbiology, cellular, molecular and prostate cancer biology.

• Knowledge of current prostate cancer disease models and understanding of clinical features of prostate cancer and treatments.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $59,905 - $71,451 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $28.69 - $34.22

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).