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Research Associate - 124076

Job Description


UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 07/11/2023 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 07/21/2023. 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 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.

Under supervision, incumbents perform standard repetitive, technical laboratory and experimental procedures and receive training in the more difficult procedures related to blood-brain barrier research. Provide mouse colony maintenance for the Principal Investigator and other lab members. Under close technical supervision, perform procedures including endothelial cell and pericyte cell purification, cell culture, RNA purification, DNA purification, assist with qRT-PCR, RNA sequencing analysis. Responsible for laboratory management to include inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensure that EH&S regulations are met. Participate in data analysis and presentations. Incumbent is required to have theoretical knowledge in mammalian molecular and cellular biology.

  • Theoretical knowledge of cell/molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or other demonstrated equivalent combination of education and experience.

    • Experience in handling small animals, preferably both rats and mice. Husbandry experience and mouse colony maintenance.
  • Knowledge of general laboratory techniques, and scientific calculations sufficient to prepare and maintain complex chemical stocks such as dilutions, buffers, reagents, and solutions.

  • Knowledge/experience of molecular, and biological techniques such as electrophoresis, blotting, PCR, cell biology, cell purification and basic mammalian cell culture techniques.

  • Experience working with routine isolation of bacterial plasmids. Culture live tissue using aseptic techniques and basic imaging.

  • Experience of blood-brain barrier biology. Knowledge of endothelial cell and pericyte cells.

  • Demonstrated ability to properly use and maintain laboratory equipment including centrifuges, microscopes, scales, and computers.

  • Ability to accurately maintain detailed computerized records and hard copy files of experimental records, inventory, facility usage mouse genealogy, etc.

  • Sufficient experience to assist senior researchers with biotechnological techniques related to microscopy; immunohistological techniques and physiochemical techniques, molecular cloning, immunofluorescent staining.

  • 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.

  • Experience using computerized office software such as Internet Explorer, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Reader, Illustrator, and Acrobat and provide assistance as needed.

  • Knowledge of MSDS's (Material Safety Data Sheets), and the hazard communication and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Knowledge of laboratory safety precautions and proper handling of chemicals & biohazardous materials, including appropriate clothing and shoes and use of other protective items.

  • Ability to provide work direction to students in dishwashing and making stock solutions.

  • Experience with qRT-PCR, RNA sequencing analysis.
  • BS/BA, or equivalent, in biological sciences, chemistry, and microscopy optics or related field.
  • Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends, if necessary.
  • Willingness to work with animals, mice, rodents rats.
  • Ability to work safely with biohazards materials.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $53,766 - $64,143 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $25.75 - $30.72

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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