UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 1/18/23 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 1/27/23. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

The Aguado iBiomaterials Lab is focused on developing biomaterials technologies for precision medicine applications. Under close technical supervision, the Staff Research Associate I will assist the Principal Investigator and perform standard laboratory techniques and assist with managing general laboratory tasks in a biomaterial's laboratory.

The position has dual functions in scientific research and laboratory management. For scientific research, incumbent will be responsible for starting and expanding mammalian cell stocks (experience with culturing valvular interstitial cell cultures and other cardiac fibroblasts desired), utilizing click chemistry to synthesize poly(ethylene glycol) based hydrogels (experience with thiol-ene click chemistry desired), and assist lab members with general laboratory techniques and standard molecular biology techniques (including but not limited to Western blots, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, microscopy, and ELISA assays).

For lab management, the position also includes organize laboratory data on university servers, writing and renewing animal (IACUC) and human institutional review board (IRB) protocols, and complete routine laboratory duties (ordering/quoting equipment, organizing equipment/supplies, equipment maintenance, making solutions, writing standard operating procedures, biohazardous/chemical waste management/disposal, and assisting with writing/publishing manuscripts). Incumbent will also closely cooperate and provide direction for future postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

• Theoretical knowledge or Bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or chemical engineering AND two (2) years of laboratory experience in biomaterials, cell biology, chemistry; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Previous laboratory experience including familiarity with basic microbiological and sterile techniques, and the ability to follow multi-step assays and procedures.

• Coding experience in R and Matlab.

• Successful, positive interpersonal and oral and written communication skills using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Skill to interact effectively with faculty, academics, students, and staff including those of diverse ethnicity, culture, and foreign nationals.

• Demonstrated ability to work with minimum supervision and to work closely and collaboratively with others including the ability to follow written and oral instructions.

• Personal and communication skills needed to discuss and understand day to day laboratory affairs, research plans, results and ideas with PI and other lab personnel in a constructive, professional, and pleasant manner. Skill to present information clearly and concisely.

• Skill and ability to use standard lab equipment (centrifuge, microscope, etc).

• Experience with Macintosh and Windows OS with a demonstrated ability to work independently with a variety of computer applications and a willingness and ability to update and increase skills and knowledge as needed. Coding experience using R, Matlab, or similar.

• Skill to prepare and maintain with completeness and accuracy a variety of paper and digital laboratory records, files, and notebooks.

• Ability to direct the work of both casual workers and other support staff. Skill to train others in basic lab support techniques and procedures (preparation of media, dishwashing, equipment usage etc.).

• Awareness of MSDS's (Material Safety Data Sheets), and the hazard communication and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Knowledge of laboratory safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of protective items such as gloves and goggles.

• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.

• Experience and demonstrated ability to initiate and maintain multiple different eukaryotic cell lines including freezing, thawing, storage, and plating cells in preparation for experiments. Experience with sterile techniques, trouble shooting of contamination problems, and care of incubators and liquid nitrogen freezers.

• Experience in molecular biology techniques (Western blots, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining).

• Some overtime may be required.

• Occasional flexible working out of normal business hours as needed by experimental timelines.

Pay Transparency Act Full Salary Range: $51,949 - $61,972 Annually

The University of California, San Diego is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is defined as the Full Pay Range. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position defined as the Expected Pay Scale. Placement within the Expected Pay Scale is determined by internal equity, relevant qualifications, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

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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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