Lab Research Associate — Stem Cells & Organoids

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego School of Medicine invites applications for a Staff Research Associate in the Department of Pediatrics. The role supports a Neonatology-focused research program, including iPSC-derived organoids and viral assays, with emphasis on protocol fidelity and data-driven results.

The position requires hands-on lab work, rigorous documentation, and collaboration with students and the supervisor to advance projects in a campus-wide pediatric research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a life science or related field required.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Experience with iPSC culture under feeder-free conditions.
• Experience with RNA/DNA extraction and qRT-PCR.
• Experience with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.
• Ability to follow and modify protocols with supervisor input.

Responsibilities

• Perform bench experiments supporting Neonatology research on lung and gut development.
• Differentiation of iPSCs into organoids and maintenance of cultures.
• Carry out viral infection assays under BSL-2 conditions.
• Conduct molecular biology, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and data analysis.
• Assist supervisor in experimental design and project planning; manage lab operations.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

iPSC culture

Flow cytometry

Molecular biology

PCR/qRT-PCR

Immunofluorescence

Data analysis

Lab safety

Aseptic technique

Education

Bachelor's Degree in life sciences

Tools

PCR thermocyclers

CO2 incubators

Biosafety cabinets

Confocal microscope

Job description

UC San Diego School of Medicine invites applications for a Staff Research Associate in the Department of Pediatrics. The role supports a Neonatology-focused research program, including iPSC-derived organoids and viral assays, with emphasis on protocol fidelity and data-driven results.

The position requires hands-on lab work, rigorous documentation, and collaboration with students and the supervisor to advance projects in a campus-wide pediatric research environment.