Scientific Research Associate - 141490

San Diego Supercomputer Center; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health Sciences seeks a Research Scientist A 2 position (SRA 2 NEX) to support sample extraction, data collection, and LC-MS/MS operation in a dynamic lab setting. The appointment is 50% with a career track, based on campus needs and funding.

The role includes data analysis, safety compliance, and collaboration with investigators. Requires a chemistry/biochem-related Bachelor's and hands-on lab experience; experience with LC-MS/MS is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology or related field, or equivalent 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.
• Ability to track purchasing, receipts, and expense reconciliation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with sample extraction, data collection, instrument operation, and data analysis.
• Prepare biological, environmental, and clinical samples for LC-MS/MS analysis.
• Maintain inventory of lab supplies and safety records; support safety compliance.
• Prepare reports, figures, and manuscript sections as needed.

Skills

Biology

Chemistry

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Data analysis

Recordkeeping

Teamwork

Communication

Wet-lab techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Microbiology

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

LC-MS/MS instrumentation

Chromatography principles

Spreadsheets (data analysis)

Job description

Payroll Title

SRA 2 NEX

Department

SCH OF PHARMACY AND PHARM. SCI

Hiring Pay Scale

$32.79 - $52.75 / Hour

Worksite

Campus

Appointment Type

Career

Appointment Percent

50%

Union

RX Contract

Total Openings

1

Work Schedule

Days, 8-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday

#141490 Scientific Research Associate

Filing Deadline: Fri 10/9/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. 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

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).

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 Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

• "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