Scientific Research Associate - 141491

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

Job summary

UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences seeks a Scientific Research Associate to assist with computational data processing, synthesis, and instrument operation under supervision. The role involves running AI-based metabolite annotation pipelines, processing MS/MS data, and supporting synthesis of reference compounds for validation.

Responsibilities include maintaining LC-MS instrumentation, ordering supplies, cost reconciliation, and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology, or related field.
• Experience with chromatography and/or mass spectrometry in research settings.
• Familiar with computational tools and data files.

Responsibilities

• Assist with AI-based metabolite annotation pipelines.
• Process MS/MS data using GNPS, MassQL, and MASST.
• Assist in multiplexed organic synthesis of reference compounds.
• Operate and maintain mass spectrometry/LC instrumentation.
• Perform purchasing, receipts, and cost reconciliation.
• Support lab safety compliance and training tracking.
• Prepare reports, figures, and manuscript sections.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Flexibility

Data processing

NMR/MS

Lab safety

Python/R

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Pharmacy

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

GNPS

MassQL

Molecular Networking

LC-MS/MS

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).