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Staff Research Associate III - 124493

Job Description


UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 8/03/2023 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 8/15/2023. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.


The UCSD Department of Pharmacology is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers investigate the effects of chemical interventions on biological systems. The faculty are internationally renowned for their strength in elucidating basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of signal transduction that lead to innovative drug target identification and ultimately to cutting edge drug discovery. The faculty also plays a major role in medical and graduate student training, providing educational and programmatic offerings that span several disciplines, and provide diversity to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of students and scholars. More than one hundred trainees at the graduate student and postdoctoral level, as well as a staff of more than 50 research technicians and department administrators interact closely with the faculty. The diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and talents creates a robust work environment with challenging career opportunities and a commitment to continued growth potential. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically-advanced and interested individuals to become a part of our dynamic exploratory research and educational environment. For more information, please visit our website at http://pharmacology.ucsd.edu.

Incumbent will contribute significant and original ideas and methods to research projects and will independently perform a wide variety of experimental research techniques related to cancer biology research. Initiate, develop, implement, and ensure compliance with all required protocols. Independently perform RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, cell signaling analyses, immunofluorescence staining, IHC Scoring and independently collect and analyze the resulting data. Incumbent must be proficient working with genetically engineered mouse models and human cell lines of liver cancer for investigating novel immunotherapeutics. Responsible for overseeing laboratory management, mouse colony maintenance, maintaining equipment and ensuring that EH&S regulations are met. This position is afforded significant latitude for complex research projects, decision-making and independent judgment.

  • Advanced theoretical background and practical knowledge in biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology, with particular expertise in cancer biology research as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Proven ability to contribute to original project development ideas, experimental design and strategies, as well as their implementation into a variety of research projects.

  • Advanced demonstrable skill, experience, and strong knowledge in a variety of pharmacological techniques including: DNA extraction, RNA isolation, isolation of bacterial plasmids, molecular cloning, tissue culture of human and mouse samples, histological and immunohistochemical analyses, immunofluorescent staining and imaging, SDS Polyacrylamide and agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR and Western blots.

  • Proven ability and experience troubleshooting and recommending modifications to procedures and protocols to meet the needs of research projects.

  • Ability to effectively document complex research procedures, accurately record experimental details and results, perform scientific calculations necessary for data analysis, prepare graphs and figures to summarize results and write reports.

  • Extensive experience in the generation and analysis of mouse models of cancer, and in the generation and analysis of patient-derived xenografts of different types of human cancer (including orthotopic transplants).

  • Skilled in the operation, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment including: the cryostat, the Leica SP5 confocal microscope, FACS sorter, centrifuges, microscopes, scales, thermal cyclers, and spectrophotometers.

  • Ability to direct, advise, and train other lab personnel on procedures, methods, materials, equipment, and data analysis, as well as explain difficult concepts and safety issues involved in a wide variety of scientific experimentation. Ability to supervise, train, provide guidance, work direction, delegate tasks, and evaluate progress of undergraduate students, rotation students and lab helpers.

  • Experience working with primary human and mouse cancer cells and mouse models of cancer, including genetic models and human xenografts.

  • Demonstrated leadership and management skills sufficient to handle all aspects of laboratory management including staff supervision, financial accountability, safety, security, scientific project development, inventory, organizational methods, equipment acquisition and maintenance.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate in person, on the phone, and in writing to a diverse population including persons from foreign countries, the business community, academicians, students and staff with a high degree of diplomacy, mature judgment, tact and flexibility.

  • Ability to prepare, interpret and present the results of scientific experiments in the pursuit of specific research goals and for the publication of experimental results in peer reviewed scientific journals.

  • Advanced knowledge and experience using Mac and PC computers and scientific software for operating equipment and data analysis including Adobe Photoshop, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and MS Word.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of NIH grant procedures and the ability to write large NIH grants as well as the ability to assemble and coordinate large multi-institutional grants.

  • Knowledge and experience with purchasing procedures, regulations, vendor requirements, and maintaining budgets.
  • Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

  • Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends, if necessary.

  • Willingness to work with animals.


Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $64,506 - $103,727 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $30.89 - $49.68

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).


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

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

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 .

UC San Diego Health 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

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.


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