Staff Research Associate I - 141573

UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health seeks a Staff Research Associate I to support senior researchers in preparing samples for cell sorting and selecting nanobody binders on mammalian or other cell types. The role involves exploring binding interactions using SPR and related cell analysis techniques in a dynamic research setting.

The position requires hands-on protein expression and purification experience, strong analytical and record-keeping skills, and the ability to work on multiple projects with deadlines.

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge of chemistry or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to perform basic analytical chemistry lab experiments such as preparation of solutions and reagents according to research project needs.
• Proven hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression, microbial culture, large-scale fermentation, cell lysis, protein purification, biochemical characterization, protein crystallization, crystal optimization, X-ray diffraction data collection, and crystallographic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior researchers with preparing samples for cell sorting and selection of nanobody binders on cell surfaces.
• Analyze binding affinities and specificities of surface-expressed antibodies using SPR and cell analyzers.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory techniques

Cell sorting

Protein purification

X-ray crystallography

Data analysis

Communication

Record keeping

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Equivalent education and experience

Tools

Chemistry software

Word processing

Literature searches

Job description

DESCRIPTION

UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 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 supervision, the Staff Research Associate I assist senior researchers with preparing samples for cell sorting and selection of nanobody binders selected on the cell surface of mammalian or other cell types. We have developed protocols in the laboratory for sorting bacteria as well as yeast and mammalian cells and analyzing binding affinities/specificities of surface-expressed antibodies using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and cell analyzer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of chemistry or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to perform basic analytical chemistry lab experiments such as preparation of solutions and reagents according to research project needs.

• Skill in working in a fast-paced research laboratory with deadlines for research results for grant proposals, manuscripts, and presentations at scientific meetings.

• Communication skills to communicate in person, by phone, and in writing to diverse groups of persons who are laboratory staff, students, administrative staff, and academic faculty.

• Ability to maintain inventories of laboratory reagents, solvents, glassware, and related items.

• Ability to use computer software for large equipment, internet, word processing, scientific graphics, literature searches, and drawing chemical structures.

• Ability to learn new analytical chemical techniques and adapt them to ongoing research projects.

• Ability to provide oral presentation and explanation of research methods and results.

• Ability to keep detailed and understandable records of experimental procedures, results, and evaluation of research results.

• Ability to organize experiments with controls to make progress on several related projects.

• Ability to make improvements on existing procedures that require trouble-shooting.

• Proven hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression, microbial culture, large-scale fermentation, cell lysis, protein purification, biochemical characterization, protein crystallization, crystal optimization, X-ray diffraction data collection, and crystallographic analysis.

• Must have a prior knowledge in cell sorting and analysis as well as protein purification for antibody production and testing.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Willing to work some nights and weekends, depending on research need.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $62,891 - $75,022 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $30.12 - $35.93

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).