Scientific Research Associate - 141491

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

Job summary

UC San Diego Health is seeking a Scientific Research Associate to assist with computational data processing, synthesis, and instrument operation in the SSPPS laboratory. You will help run AI-based metabolite annotation pipelines and manage MS/MS data using GNPS, MassQL, and related tools.

The role involves supporting laboratory safety, purchasing, and inventory, while preparing reports and figures for publications. Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a team are essential.

Qualifications

• Theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of biology, chemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Familiarity with chromatography and/or mass spectrometry.
• Experience with computational tools and basic data files.
• Experience with organic synthesis or instrument operation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist with computational data processing, synthesis, and instrument operation.
• Process and curate MS/MS data using established pipelines.
• Support lab safety, ordering, and inventory keeping.
• Prepare reports, figures, and manuscript sections.
• Collaborate with team and adapt duties as needed.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Mass spectrometry

Computational tools

Lab techniques

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Bachelor's in Biochemistry

Bachelor's in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Bachelor's in Microbiology

Master's in related field

Tools

GNPS

MassQL

Molecular networking

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, 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).