Scientific Research Associate - 141491

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 72,000; Part time

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Scientific Research Associate in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Under supervision, the role involves computational data processing, synthesis, and instrument operation, including AI-driven metabolite annotation and MS/MS data curation.

The position supports multiplexed synthesis, laboratory safety, and report preparation, with duties in purchasing, inventory, and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Hands‑on experience with general chemistry and chromatography or mass spectrometry.
• Comfortable with computational tools and data files.
• Familiarity with organic synthesis and instrument operation.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist with computational data processing, synthesis, and instrument operation.
• Run and troubleshoot AI-based metabolite annotation and discovery pipelines; curate MS/MS data.
• Support synthesis of reference compounds and maintain mass spectrometry/LC instrumentation.
• Perform administrative tasks: ordering supplies, tracking reagents, processing receipts, and cost reconciliation.
• Maintain chemical inventory and safety compliance; assist in reports and manuscript preparation.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Chemistry knowledge

Mass spectrometry

Computational tools

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

GNPS

MassQL

Molecular networking

MASST/FASST

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

#141491 Scientific Research Associate

Filing Deadline: Fri 10/9/2026

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, 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).

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: 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