Research Technician - 135242

UC San Diego; Oakland, California, Winchester (CA, MO, VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institution as a Research Technician in the Neurosciences department. This part-time role focuses on cutting-edge research involving human cell models, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience. You will assist in laboratory management, implement novel culture technologies, and engage in diverse experimental procedures. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in molecular biology and demonstrate excellent communication skills. This dynamic environment fosters innovation and collaboration, making it an exciting place to advance your career in scientific research.

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge in molecular biology with lab experience.
• Hands-on experience in quality control procedures for reagents.
• Proficiency in generating and maintaining human cell lines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with lab functions and human neural cell reprogramming.
• Develop novel culture techniques and perform genome editing.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and prepare reports.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Cellular Neuroscience

Laboratory Management

Human Stem Cell Technology

Quality Control Procedures

Cell Culture Techniques

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience

Master's Degree in Neuroscience

Tools

Confocal Imaging

Genome Editing Tools

Molecular Biology Software (Word, Prism, Excel)

Job description

Research Technician - 135242

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Job Description

Filing Deadline: Mon 5/19/2025

UC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Please note that this position is a part-time appointment

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 5/08/2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 5/19/2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Neurosciences is a large department within the UCSD School of Medicine. The Department's mission is to create the synergies and define the ideas and programs that will allow us to transform the way our neurosciences community discovers, teaches and cares. We strive to conduct cutting-edge science and research and train the next generation of neurologists and researchers by fostering education at all levels and integrating the latest scientific and medical advances into the curriculum.

Under supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and the lab manager, the incumbent will assist and perform research as a research technician for a Neurosciences laboratory focusing on making human cell models for neuroscience. The Research Associate will perform a limited variety of laboratory management (organization, aliquoting, etc.) and non-standard experimental procedures focusing on the implementation of novel culture technologies including cell reprogramming to model brain ageing and disease. Responsibilities include assisting with various lab functions, human neural cell reprogramming, developing novel culture techniques using advanced materials, genome editing, and genotyping of human cells, confocal imaging, molecular biology, and single cell multiplexed data generation and analysis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge in molecular biology, cellular neuroscience, or related science with laboratory experience.

• Demonstrated experience in laboratory management within a human stem cell disease modeling environment, including oversight of daily operations, equipment maintenance, and compliance with standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.

• Experience with the quality control (lot testing) documentation, tracking, and verification of lot numbers for specialized human cell reprogramming reagents, viral vectors, growth factors, bioengineered matrices, and specialized growth media, ensuring traceability and reproducibility of experiments specific to human stem cell and reprogramming technologies.

• Hands-on experience in quality control (QC) procedures for essential reagents, including viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus), growth factors, bioengineered matrices, and custom media formulations, with the ability to assess purity, potency, and sterility using established analytical methods.

• Demonstrated proficiency in generating and maintaining large numbers of human primary and patient-derived cell lines, with a proven ability to manage, organize, and appropriately handle multiple cell lines simultaneously to avoid cross-contamination and ensure experimental integrity.

• Experience with both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human neural cell culture systems, including organoid and spheroid models, and their application in neuroscience and disease modeling research.

• Excellent communication skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, preparing technical reports, and contributing to manuscript preparation for publication.

• Ability to perform a limited variety of non-standard experimental procedures involving human cell culture and reprograming experiments, and various molecular approaches with accuracy and attention to detail. Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and tasks.

• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology and familiar with those associated with cellular neurobiology.

• Theoretical knowledge in application of two- and three-dimensional human culture models in biomedical sciences, and experience with human neural reprogramming, confocal imaging, and biomaterials. Experience with data analysis and software applications such as Word, Prism, and Excel.

• Knowledge with two- and three-dimensional human neural cell cultures, cell reprogramming of somatic donor cell types, and ability to learn new cell culture, molecular biology procedures and techniques readily and to adapt standard methods to new situations.

• Ability to perform accurate record keeping and organize and calculate data. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.

• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to effectively prepare manuscripts for publication.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility. Ability to work independently and/or in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community and in a lab environment that interacts with a diverse group of research and technical personnel and other laboratories.

• Knowledge and skill in the safe and efficient operation of lab equipment including hand-held pipettors, advanced standard and non-standard equipment, and glassware

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree (MSc) in neuroscience, or a closely related field.

• Scientific publication record in the fields of neuroscience and cell biology, and neurological diseases.

• Knowledge of basic lab safety requirements/procedures; EH&S regulations and methods for handling, clean-up, and waste disposal for biohazardous materials and radioisotopes and regulations for safe recordkeeping.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous materials.

• Must be willing to work flexible schedule in order to complete experiments as necessary.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $55,374 - $66,064 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $26.52 - $31.64

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.

Application Instructions

Please click on the link below to apply for this position. A new window will open and direct you to apply at our corporate careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Payroll Title:

SRA 1

Department:

NEUROSCIENCES

Hiring Pay Scale

$26.52 - $31.64 / Hour

Worksite:

Campus

Appointment Type:

Career

Appointment Percent:

50%

Union:

RX Contract

Total Openings:

1

Work Schedule:

Days, 8 hour shifts, Monday - Friday

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Apply Online

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Research Technician - 135242

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La Jolla, CA

Posted: 5/5/2025

Job Reference #: 135242