HIV Research Technician - Medicine - 141992

UC San Diego/UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California San Diego is seeking an HIV Research Technician in Medicine's Infectious Diseases division. The role supports HIV-related research through molecular biology techniques, sample processing, and data documentation in a fast-paced laboratory.

Under supervision, you will perform HIV viral load assays, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing, while maintaining notebooks, inventory, and lab safety standards; experience with sterile technique and basic

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge of biology or related field.
• Clear communication and meticulous notebook/documentation skills.
• Experience with basic computer applications (MS Word, Excel).
• Willingness to learn new methods and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of sterile culture and aseptic techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform HIV-related molecular biology experiments (viral load assays, DNA/RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR).
• Process human blood and clinical samples from HIV-infected donors.
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks and detailed specimen inventory; manage supplies.
• Prepare solutions, maintain clean lab space, and assist with minor equipment maintenance.
• Adhere to biosafety policies and document procedures diligently.

Skills

Biology basics

Documentation

MS Excel

Laboratory safety

Sterile technique

Pipetting

Equipment operation

Organization

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

#141992 HIV Research Technician - Medicine

Filing Deadline: Tue 11/10/2026

Payroll Title: SRA 1

Department: MEDICINE/ Infectious Diseases

Hiring Pay Scale: $30.12 - $35.93 / Hour

Worksite: La Jolla

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 50%

Union: RX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: 8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

This is a UC San Diego Internal Recruitment open to UCSD and UCSD Health System Staff Only

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 11/5/2026 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.

DESCRIPTION

The Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at UC San Diego is a leading academic and research division with more than 40 faculty members dedicated to advancing infectious disease research, patient care, education, and global health initiatives. Research and clinical programs are conducted across multiple UC San Diego and VA facilities, supporting innovative studies in HIV/AIDS, emerging infections, immunology, antimicrobial resistance, and population health. Major international collaborations in Mozambique, Mexico, India, South Africa and Peru play important roles in the Division’s expansion of its international programs. The division continues to grow and expand with the development of our international medicine program, as well the ongoing studies and interests of our faculty.

Under supervision, incumbent will perform experiments involving a limited variety of standard molecular biology techniques including HIV viral load assays, DNA/RNA extraction and purification, cDNA synthesis, polymerase chain reactions, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing. Duties also include processing human blood and clinical samples from HIV infected donors. Technician will handle other laboratory tasks including maintaining an accurate laboratory notebook, detailed inventory of clinical specimens, freezer inventory, ordering supplies, preparation of solutions, maintain a clean laboratory area, minor equipment maintenance, and other lab tasks as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of biology, molecular biology, or other related fields.
• Ability to communicate clearly and to keep organized, neat, and accurate laboratory records and notebooks. Effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials.
• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application such as MS Word, and Excel.
• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Ability to work with a variety of personnel from different laboratories.
• Knowledge of sterile culture and aseptic techniques. This includes preparation of buffers and reagents.
• Knowledge in the operation of scientific and experimental laboratory equipment necessary for the successful completion of the research design. This includes hand pipettors, pipetmans, pH meters, Mettler analytical and top-loading balances, plate washers, plate readers, agarose gel apparatus, thermocyclers, incubators, and various types of centrifuges.
• Organizational skills including the ability to organize and adapt the work schedule to accommodate experimental design.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of HIV viral load assays or Elisa assays.
• Familiarity with processing blood, CSF, cultured cells and their supernatants infected with HIV and other human retroviruses.
• Knowledge of high throughput specimen processing, sequencing, and sequence data management.
• Knowledge of radiation safety and biosafety techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of proper manipulation of infectious specimens such as the use of Biological Hazard Level III and III bio-containment facilities and cabinets, decontamination of work areas and proper laboratory attire.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to process culture cells, and human specimens infected with HIV and other human retroviruses.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous chemicals and radioisotopes.
• Must be able to adjust work schedule to meet deadlines. Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Employment is subject to pre-employment physical for those who work in clinical settings and/or with patients.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Complies with the University of California, San Diego Health (UCSDH) Principles of Community.
• This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

Annual Full Pay Range: $62,891 - $75,022 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $30.12 - $35.93

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).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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.

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.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace