Assistant, Associate, or Full Project Scientist in Molecular Biology

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego in La Jolla, CA is seeking a Project Scientist at Assistant, Associate, or Full level in Molecular Biology. The role involves independent and collaborative research, with responsibilities spanning experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. Applicants should have a Ph.D.

in Molecular Biology or related field and 4+ years postdoctoral experience. The position emphasizes collaboration, supervision by senior researchers, and publication activity within funded

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 4 years of postdoctoral experience in relevant areas.
• Experience mentoring and training students from underrepresented groups is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, manage and conduct experiments and research.
• Train students and others in the field of study.
• Lead and contribute to lab projects with innovative ideas.
• Participate and present at scientific meetings.
• Prepare scientific reports, manuscripts, grants for submission and/or publication.

Skills

Molecular biology

Postdoctoral experience

Mentoring and training

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Genomics data analysis

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Assistant, Associate, or Full Project Scientist in Molecular Biology

Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $76,700 - $201,900.

The posted UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position (Salary Scale Represented: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf) (Salary Scale Non-represented: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/policy-covered-july-2025-scales/t37-a.pdf)

Position description

The Department of Molecular Biology in the School of Biological Sciences is conducting an open search for a position in the Project Scientists series (non-tenured, Assistant, Associate or Full level). UC San Diego is seeking an experienced biologist in molecular biology or a related field to carry out both independent and collaborative research projects. Examples of research projects include but are not limited to: immune cell development, COVID-19, mammalian genome structure, antibody diversity, nuclear architecture, gene expression, virology, microbiology, microbial genetics, next-generation sequencing data analysis, and epigenetics.

This position is expected to make significant contributions to their research team and does not require independent research or develop an independent research reputation; however, this position is expected to publish and carry out research or creative programs with supervision by a member of the Professor or Professional Research series. University and public service are encouraged but not required. Appointments and duration vary depending on the length of the research project and availability of funding. The University of California, San Diego is committed to academic excellence and diversity within the faculty, staff and student body and is seeking applicants for Project Scientist positions.

Under supervision of the Principal Investigators, the Project Scientists will function independently, and the role includes:

• 1) designing, managing and conducting experiments and research;
• 2) training students and others in the field of study;
• 3) leading and making innovative and significant contributions to lab project(s);
• 4) participating and presenting at scientific meetings;
• 5) writing scientific reports, manuscripts, grants for submission and/or publication.

The selected candidates will be a part of a highly collaborative environment with exposure to multiple scientific disciplines and levels of researchers, including students and clinicians.

Appointment will be at the Assistant, Associate or Full Project Scientist level based on background and years of experience.

A link to full description of the Project Scientist series is provided for your review: https://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/PPM/docs/230-311.html

School: https://biology.ucsd.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of postdoctoral experience in one or more of the following areas: cells assembly and function, multicellular organism development, protein degradation, nucleocytoplasmic transport, cell migration, gene expression, cell morphogenesis, or stem cell development and regeneration.
• Created or contributed to mentoring and research training that center the identities and experiences of students from minoritized communities in the sciences and/or have detailed plans to accomplish such goals

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Publication 1
• Publication 2
• Publication 3
• Publication 4 (Optional)
• Publication 5 (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

About UC San Diego

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.

The UC San Diego Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at:https://www.police.ucsd.edu/docs/annualclery.pdf. This report provides crime and fire statistics, as well as institutional policy statements & procedures. Contact the UC San Diego Police Department at [phone] if you want to obtain paper copies of this report.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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* "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]

* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]

Job location

La Jolla, CA