Lab Manager - Cancer Center - 141525

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California San Diego (Moores Cancer Center) is seeking a Lab Manager to lead experimental design and execution in cancer protein therapeutics research. You will oversee vector construction, production, purification and analytical characterization, coordinating in vivo PK/PD studies and mentoring staff.

The role requires deep molecular biology expertise, experience with chromatography and plasmid work, and strong communication to document procedures and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge in virology, biochemistry or cellular/molecular biology.
• Experience with viral vector construction, purification, infection and transfections.
• Proficiency in DNA/RNA purification and molecular biology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, perform and analyze experiments for novel protein therapeutics.
• Develop vectors for protein production and assess their function.
• Manage efficacy, PK/PD studies in vivo and supervise staff and trainees.

Skills

Strong communication

Data analysis

Experiment design

Cell culture techniques

PCR/qRT‑PCR

Literature review

Microsoft Word/Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in virology/biochemistry/c molecular biology

Advanced theoretical knowledge in molecular biology

Tools

HPLC

FPLC

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

Chromatography purification systems

Job description

Payroll Title: SRA 3

Department: CANCER CENTER

Hiring Pay Scale: $75,448.50 - $95,722.28 / Year

Worksite: Moores Cancer Center

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: RX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: Days, 8‑Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday

#141525 Lab Manager - Cancer Center

Filing Deadline: Tue 10/6/2026

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 09/25/2026 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 Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future‑oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast‑paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy of career‑path development for its employees including opportunities for cross‑training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerateddiscovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk‑Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

Independently design, perform and analyze experiments directed at developing novel protein‑based cancer chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancers. This includes: a) design and construction of novel types of vectors for cellular engineering; b) development of novel techniques for the production of proteins in human cell systems, and selection of stable clones; c) creation of complex chromatographic systems to develop better ways to purify proteins from cell supernates or lysates; d) interpretation of analytic tools for the characterization of novel proteins including HPLC, FPLC, FACS, IHC and ICC and interpretation of results; e) development of cellular and molecular biology techniques to characterize the pharmacodynamics of drugs such as in vitro cytotoxicity assays; f) independently design and manage execution of efficacy, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in mice and rats; g) make innovative contributions to experimental design and methodology by reviewing published literature and online resources; h) provide training and assistance to staff scientists, post‑doctoral fellows and student on cutting edge techniques in the field of experimental therapeutics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced theoretical knowledge and/or Bachelor's Degree in virology, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology. Experience with viral vector construction, purification, and infection and transfections with various DNA plasmids. Knowledge and experience with DNA and RNA purification.
• Experience with the design of vectors for the production of recombinant protein and the molecular biology techniques for their construction and functional assessment.
• Experience with biochemical techniques including gel electrophoresis, measurement of protein concentrations, preparation of buffers, operation of spectrophotometers and other routine laboratory equipment.
• Proven ability to contribute to original project development ideas, experimental design and strategies, as well as their implementation into a variety of research projects.
• Knowledge of techniques for large‑scale highly reproducible production of recombinant proteins in bacteria and mammalian cell systems.
• Experience with modern protein purification techniques including HPLC, FLPC, affinity resins and antibody‑based purification systems.
• Knowledge of, and experience with physical biologic techniques for the characterization of recombinant proteins including binding affinity.
• Understanding of principles that guide development of protein therapeutics such as antibody‑drug conjugates.
• Experience with the physical and functional characterization of recombinant proteins.
• Experience with culturing of bacterial and mammalian cells and their preservation.
• Basic understanding of the principles of pharmacokinetics.
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment. Effectively and accurately document research procedures.
• Knowledge and skill to conduct library research. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials. Skill to critically analyze the information, read protocols and be able to design and apply new techniques independently.
• Experience using computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting data. Experience designing new experiments as new techniques are established. Knowledge of and experience in testing research hypotheses.
• Demonstrated experience with cell and molecular biology techniques including tissue culture, DNA and RNA isolation and quantitation, PCR, qRT‑PCR, construction of vectors, western blots, transfection/infection, flow cytometry, microscopy, in vitro cell survival assays, bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation, protein isolation and purification.
• Demonstrated experience with enzyme assays, drug sensitivity assays in tissue culture, pharmacokinetics, production of recombinant proteins in bacteria, production of recombinant protein in CHO cells, and/or proteomic analysis.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. Must be willing to occasionally work late and/or evenings or weekends as needed.
• Must be willing and able to work with biohazardous materials at BL3 level.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $75,449 - $121,324 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $36.13 - $58.11

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