Scientific Research Associate - 141491

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) invites applications for a Scientific Research Associate to support computational data processing, synthesis, and LC-MS instrument operation on current drug discovery projects.

Under supervision, the role encompasses running AI-based metabolite annotation pipelines and processing MS/MS data with GNPS, MassQL, and related tools, while assisting with organic synthesis and maintaining safety/compliance in the lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, microbiology, or related field, plus lab experience.
• Hands-on experience with chromatography or mass spectrometry.
• Familiar with computational tools and basic data files.
• Experience with organic synthesis or instrument operation.
• Attention to detail and precise protocol following.
• Basic lab safety and recordkeeping.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to shift among computational, synthesis, and instrument duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist with computational data processing and instrument operation under supervision.
• Run and troubleshoot AI-based metabolite annotation pipelines.
• Process MS/MS data using GNPS, MassQL, and MASST/FASST.
• Assist in multiplexed organic synthesis of reference compounds.
• Maintain chemical inventory and safety compliance; manage receipts and cost reconciliation.
• Prepare reports, figures, and manuscript sections.

Skills

Molecular biology

Chemistry

Mass spectrometry

Organic synthesis

Data analysis

Lab safety

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Tools

GNPS

MassQL

MASST/FASST

LC-MS/MS

Molecular networking

Job description

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, Scientific Research Associate assist with computational data processing, synthesis, and instrument operation. The duties are not limited to running and troubleshooting agentic AI-based metabolite annotation and discovery pipelines; processing and curating MS/MS data using established computational pipelines (e.g., GNPS, MassQL, molecular networking, MASST/FASST), assisting with multiplexed organic synthesis of candidate reference compounds used to validate computational predictions, and operating and maintaining mass spectrometry/LC instrumentation. 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, hands-on experience and a working understanding of general chemistry, and of chromatography and/or mass spectrometry, gained through research, internships, or prior employment.
• Comfortable working with computational tools/software pipelines and basic data files.
• Hands-on familiarity with organic synthesis and/or instrument operation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written protocols precisely.
• Basic laboratory safety and chemical handling knowledge.
• Basic computer literacy (file management, spreadsheets).
• Comfortable with basic recordkeeping for purchasing, receipts, and expense reconciliation.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to flexibly shift among computational, synthesis, and instrument duties based on funding and project needs.
• Ability to work effectively under direct supervision and as part of a team.
• Prior hands-on experience with organic synthesis and structure confirmation (NMR/MS).

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 experience (Python or R) for data processing.
• 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 operating LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
• 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).