Staff Research Associate I - 141573

UC San Diego; 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 sample preparation for cell sorting and binding studies of surface-expressed antibodies. The role supports projects in drug development, pharmacology, and protein characterization.

The candidate should have strong analytical chemistry skills, lab experience in protein purification and cell sorting, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge of chemistry or related field.
• Ability to perform basic analytical chemistry lab experiments.
• Experience in a fast-paced research laboratory with deadlines for results.
• Strong communication skills with diverse groups.
• Ability to maintain inventories of reagents and glassware.
• Ability to use computer software for data collection, internet, and literature searches.
• Willingness to learn new analytical techniques.
• Ability to present and explain research methods and results.
• Prior knowledge in cell sorting and antibody purification.
• Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression, microbial culture, large-scale fermentation, purification, crystallization, and data collection.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Cell sorting knowledge

Protein purification

X-ray crystallography

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Laboratory inventory

Independent work

Team communication

Fermentation

Education

Theoretical knowledge of chemistry or related field

Tools

Chemistry software

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 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).