Research Assistant - 141546

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Saddawi Laboratory invites applications for a research technician to support the launch and daily operation of a tumor-immunology program focusing on head and neck cancer. You will assist with experimental procedures, safety, purchasing, inventory, and animal-colony care.

Under the Principal Investigator's guidance, you will document protocols, train staff, and help maintain records while working with diverse teams across research and administration in a dynamic university

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.
• Perform established experimental procedures.
• Laboratory organization, safety coordination, purchasing, inventory management, animal-colony support, documentation, and training support.

Skills

Scientific research skills

Documentation skills

Lab teamwork

Safety awareness

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Master's degree in scientific field

Tools

Flow cytometry

Tissue culture

Microscopy

Molecular assays

Job description

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).