Staff Research Associate I - 141573

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is seeking a Staff Research Associate I to assist senior researchers with preparing samples for cell sorting and selecting nanobody binders on cell surfaces, supporting drug development and pharmacology projects. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, data collection, and maintaining detailed records.

You will learn new analytical techniques, contribute to experiments across several related projects, and communicate findings to

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge of chemistry or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to perform basic analytical chemistry lab experiments.
• Experience working in a fast-paced research lab with deadlines.
• Strong communication skills for diverse teams.
• Ability to maintain inventories of reagents and supplies.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression and protein purification.
• Knowledge of cell sorting and antibody production/testing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for cell sorting.
• Assist in selecting nanobody binders on cell surfaces.
• Support drug development, pharmacology, and protein analysis projects.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and data.
• Learn and apply new analytical techniques.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Lab techniques

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Record keeping

Cell sorting experience

Problem solving

Protein purification

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Chromatography systems

SPR analysis

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).