Scientific Research Associate - 141490

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

Job summary

UC San Diego Medical Centers seeks a Scientist Research Associate 2 to support sample extraction, instrument operation, data collection and analysis for drug development and pharmacology projects.

Responsibilities include maintaining safety compliance, ordering supplies, and assisting with reports and manuscript sections. A Bachelor’s in chemistry or related field is required, with hands-on wet-lab experience and data skills essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology or related field.
• Understanding of general chemistry and chromatography and/or mass spectrometry principles.
• Wet-lab sample extraction/preparation techniques.
• Comfort operating laboratory instrumentation.
• Basic data analysis skills (spreadsheets).
• Ability to follow written protocols precisely.
• Safety-conscious with good recordkeeping and communication.
• Willingness to shift among extraction, instrument, and data analysis duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist with sample extraction and preparation for LC-MS/MS analysis.
• Operate LC-MS/MS instrumentation and collect data for projects.
• Organize experimental metadata and contribute to data analysis.
• Maintain inventory and safety compliance, track supplies and reagents.
• Submit receipts and reconcile grant expenditures.
• Support preparation of reports, figures and manuscript sections.
• Collaborate with PI and senior staff on project needs.

Skills

Biology

Chemistry

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

LC-MS/MS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology or related field

Tools

LC-MS/MS

Excel

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 9/29/2026 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

UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) is growing in the diverse areas of professional educational programs, cutting-edge research, and pharmacy services. Research areas specific to this position posting include the spectrum of drug development, drug discovery, pharmacology in disease models, toxicology, drug delivery, and pharmacy practices including pharmacoeconomics, pharmacogenomics, and health systems. The school is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior lab personnel, SRA 2 assist with sample extraction, data collection, instrument operation, and data analysis. The duties are not limited to extracting and preparing biological, environmental, and clinical samples, running them on LC-MS/MS instrumentation, collecting and organizing experimental and sample metadata, and assisting with data analysis and interpretation to support ongoing research projects. Additionally, perform administrative and safety duties, including ordering and tracking laboratory supplies and reagents, submitting purchase receipts and processing cost reconciliation against grant accounts, maintaining chemical inventory and safety requirements, supporting laboratory safety compliance and training tracking, and assisting in the preparation of reports, figures, and manuscript sections. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of biology, chemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry attained through a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of general chemistry and chromatography and/or mass spectrometry principles.
• Hands-on aptitude for wet-lab sample extraction/preparation techniques.
• Comfortable operating laboratory instrumentation.
• Basic computer literacy for data analysis (spreadsheets, basic statistics).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written protocols precisely.
• Basic laboratory safety and chemical handling knowledge.
• Comfortable with basic recordkeeping for purchasing, receipts, and expense reconciliation.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to flexibly shift among extraction, instrument, and data analysis duties based on funding and project needs.
• Ability to work effectively under direct supervision as part of a team.
• Prior hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS sample preparation and instrument operation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience handling animal study samples or human biospecimens.
• Programming or data analysis experience (Python, R, or Excel-based statistics).
• Familiarity with GNPS, MassQL, molecular networking, or related mass spectrometry data analysis tools Prior exposure to AI/LLM-assisted research tools or agentic workflows.
• Experience contributing to scientific writing or manuscript preparation.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

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).