Research Associate - Medicine - 141408

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, San Diego seeks a Research Associate in Medicine to maintain stem cell biology and cardiac research labs. The role involves hESC/iPSC maintenance, differentiation to cardiomyocytes, and supporting PhD students and staff with a range of molecular and imaging assays.

The successful candidate will handle CRISPR workflows, FACS, RT-PCR and data analysis, with emphasis on meticulous lab record-keeping and collaboration within the Department of Medicine.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience in tissue culture of human stem cells (hESC/iPSC).
• Experience differentiating stem cells to cardiomyocytes.
• FACS and flow cytometry knowledge.
• CRISPR gene editing in stem cell lines.
• Live cell imaging of hESC/iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.
• Familiarity with ImageJ, Halo or related imaging tools.
• Good computer/database skills and organized record-keeping.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team and train staff.

Responsibilities

• Maintain stem cell biology laboratory and protocols.
• Perform tissue culture and differentiation workflows.
• Assist PhD students and postdocs; train staff as needed.
• Carry out assays: FACS, immunohistochemistry, imaging.
• Document results and manage records in digital systems.
• Troubleshoot experiments and ensure lab safety.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

hiPSC/hESC maintenance

FACS/flow cytometry

CRISPR gene editing

Live-cell imaging

Image analysis software

Lab record keeping

Troubleshooting experiments

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

ImageJ

Photoshop

Halo

Nikon software

Job description

Payroll Title: SRA 2 NEX

Department: MEDICINE/ Cardiovascular Medicine

Hiring Pay Scale: $32.79 - $42.77 / Hour

Worksite: Campus

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: RX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: 8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday

#141408 Research Associate - Medicine

Filing Deadline: Thu 10/1/2026

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 09/21/2026 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.

The Department of Medicine (DOM) is the largest department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research, and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. The department employs approximately 500 salaried faculty, 168 academic appointees, 331 residents, fellow and postdocs and 479 staff personnel.

Under supervision, the Research Associate will be responsible for the maintenance of a stem cell biology/cardiac research laboratory, performance of a variety of laboratory procedures, and guidance and training of laboratory staff as needed. The Research Associate position requires an extensive working knowledge of aseptic technique for tissue culture procedures as well as molecular biology assays. The incumbent will mainly work with human pluripotent stem cell (hESC) and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) maintenance and hESC/hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes differentiation protocols. Assays within the scope of work include fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS), immunohistochemistry, image data acquisition, confocal and immunofluorescence microscopy. Laboratory tasks include techniques of molecular biology such as CRISPR gene editing technology, RT-PCR, DNA and RNA purification . Administrative responsibilities include preparing and modifying protocols, maintaining accurate records, and organizing results obtained in digital platforms. Furthermore, the incumbent will assist in general lab duties, such as equipment maintenance for tissue culture, inventory of reagents and ordering of supplies, and will assist PhD students, post-docs and senior scientists with sample collection and measurements, end-point analysis, and troubleshooting experiments. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, biology or closely related field as typically attained by a Bachelor's of Science degree in an appropriate field of science or equivalent in education and experience.

• Knowledge and experience in tissue culture, specifically in the maintenance human embryonic stem cells (hESCs/iPSCs).

• Experience differentiating hESCs/iPSCs, specifically into cardiomyocytes and other cardiac lineages.

• Knowledge in fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) and flow cytometry.

• Experience using CRISPR gene editing technology for generation of stem cell lines expressing gene reporters.

• Experience in live cell imaging microscopy to study hESC/iPSC derived cardiomyocytes and other cardiac lineages.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and patience in dealing with students, faculty, staff, and corporate/industrial representatives.

• Skill and knowledge of basic computer database and word processing programs.

• Ability in keeping organized, accurate lab records and computer files.

• Knowledge of proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

• Knowledge of lab operations and rules for handling, storing and disposing of noninfectious waste as well as bio hazardous material in tissue culture.

• Skill and knowledge of imaging and analysis software such as ImageJ, Photoshop, Halo, Nikon microscopy processing software.

• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills to communicate research results.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to handle and be around hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Must be willing to work with human stem cells.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. Must be willing to work occasional evenings or weekends as required.
• 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.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $68,466 - $110,142 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $32.79 - $52.75

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