Research Assistant

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSD Department of Otolaryngology invites a Research Assistant to join the Saddawi Laboratory, supporting launch and daily operations of a tumor-immunology program focused on head and neck cancer. You will conduct experiments, manage procurement, inventory, and safety coordination while contributing to team training and documentation.

The role blends hands-on research with lab organization, requires sterile technique and animal-research familiarity, and offers opportunities to participate in

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge of biology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a related field, typically acquired through a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with sterile technique and one or more relevant cellular, molecular, tissue, microscopy, or animal-research methods.
• Ability to follow and accurately document research protocols, organize work, manage competing priorities, and maintain reliable records.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse research and administrative team.
• Willingness to learn new methods, accept feedback, troubleshoot problems with guidance, and contribute to a collaborative laboratory culture.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn laboratory safety, biosafety, animal-research, and human-biospecimen requirements.

Responsibilities

• Launch and daily operation of the Saddawi Laboratory focused on head and neck cancer research.
• Perform established experimental procedures and maintain meticulous records.
• Coordinate safety, purchasing, inventory, and animal-colony support for the lab.
• Assist with documentation, training, and compliance across laboratory activities.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Lab techniques

Documentation & records

Communication skills

Willingness to learn

Biosafety knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

Payroll Title: SRA 1

Department: Otolaryngology

Hiring Pay Scale: $30.12 - $35.93 / Hour

Worksite: Moores Cancer Center

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: RX Contract

Total Openings: 1

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

#141546 Research Assistant

Filing Deadline: Wed 10/7/2026

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 9/25/2026 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

UCSD Department of Otolaryngology is among the leading otolaryngology centers in the country. The Department offers challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of state-of-the-art clinical services, advanced educational programs, and cutting-edge research. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

The Saddawi Laboratory is a new tumor-immunology research program focused on head and neck cancer and on how tumor-draining lymph nodes program durable antitumor T-cell responses. The laboratory integrates mechanistic mouse models, cellular and molecular immunology, human biospecimen studies, and spatial and single-cell profiling.Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the incumbent will support the launch and daily operation of the laboratory while performing established experimental procedures. The role combines hands-on research with laboratory organization, safety coordination, purchasing, inventory management, animal-colony support, documentation, and training support.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of biology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a related field, typically acquired through a bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Hands-on laboratory experience with sterile technique and one or more relevant cellular, molecular, tissue, microscopy, or animal-research methods.

• Ability to follow and accurately document research protocols, organize work, manage competing priorities, and maintain reliable records.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse research and administrative team.

• Willingness to learn new methods, accept feedback, troubleshoot problems with guidance, and contribute to a collaborative laboratory culture.

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn laboratory safety, biosafety, animal-research, and human-biospecimen requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific field and prior full-time research experience.

• Experience in tumor immunology, cancer biology, flow cytometry, tissue culture, mouse models, tissue processing, microscopy, or molecular assays.

• Experience with laboratory operations, purchasing, inventory systems, regulatory documentation, equipment coordination, or training support.

• Experience with human biospecimens, biobanking, single-cell or spatial profiling, or immune-repertoire analysis.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing and able to work with research animals, human biospecimens, biological materials, and laboratory chemicals while following all required safety procedures.

• The standard schedule is Monday-Friday, eight hours per day. Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required for animal care or time-sensitive experiments, with advance coordination whenever possible.

• Must be able to work in a laboratory environment, wear required personal protective equipment, stand for extended periods, and occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Pay Transparency Act

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.

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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