Staff Research Associate I - Pediatrics - 140898

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

Job summary

UC San Diego's Knight lab, within the Department of Pediatrics, seeks a Staff Research Associate 1 to assist with DNA/RNA extraction and analysis for Next-Gen sequencing. You will help develop and test new technologies, maintain sequencing equipment, and support microbiome projects spanning human health to environmental applications.

Working under the Laboratory Manager, you will contribute to high-impact research on microbial communities, data analysis, and protocol optimization, with scheduled

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge of basic human genetics and molecular biology.
• Experience with biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA isolation within the past 2 years.
• Follow University Environmental Health and Safety requirements; maintain a sterile environment.
• Micropipetting and dilutions experience.
• Knowledge of liquid handling automation and validated protocols.
• Knowledge of next generation sequencing for high throughput pipeline; able to perform validated protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist with extracting, purifying, and analyzing DNA and RNA for Next-Gen Sequencing.
• Help maintain sequencing equipment and test new technologies.
• Assist metagenomics/metatranscriptomics projects and data reporting.
• Ensure adherence to safety and SOPs.

Job description

DESCRIPTION

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 8/17/2026 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.

The Knight lab consists of a team of ~50 highly skilled researchers, students and technicians, with an annual operating budget of ~$3 million derived from a mixture of federal and non-federal sources including Knight's NIH Pioneer Award and the campus Return to Learn COVID-19 program. Most of the lab's work focuses on technologies for reading out microbial communities, including laboratory procedures for next- generation sequencing and bioinformatics software development. This includes applications in the human microbiome and child development, conservation, environmental monitoring and management, and biofuels. The Knight lab is widely regarded as a leader in the microbiome field, publishing regularly in top journals including Science, Nature, Cell, and PNAS, and publishing dozens of journal articles per year overall. The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with ~200 faculty, an annual budget of >$100 million, and unified pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs, including a university- affiliated children's health system to serve the region. The Department is recognized as having global leaders in research, technology, translational medicine, education and clinical excellence.

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, the Staff Research Associate 1 (SRA 1) assists with extracting, purifying, and analyzing DNA and RNA for Next-Gen Sequencing, and with new technology development in support of the research program, including documenting the feasibility of new technologies and testing of new technologies. The SRA 1 also assists in maintaining new equipment and technologies including Next Gen sequencing equipment.

Microbiome science is one of the most exciting areas of research today, with discoveries daily pushing the boundaries of what we know about human health and the environment. The incumbent will assist with pushing this research forward focusing on DNA and RNA sequencing from complex microbial communities (metagenomics and metatranscriptomics). The incumbent will assist with high-impact projects that seek to understand how the microbiome contributes to human traits ranging from response to diet to mental health, the roles of microbes in environments ranging from oceans to soils, and the connections between. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of basic human genetics and molecular biology.
• Experience with biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA isolation within the past 2 years.
• Demonstrated ability to follow university Environmental Health and Safety requirements. Experienced in working and maintaining a sterile environment.
• Micropipetting and dilutions experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of liquid handling automation and ability to use validated protocols.
• Demonstrated knowledge of next generation sequencing for high throughput pipeline. Ability to perform validated protocols.
• Ability to implement and troubleshoot protocols developed for high throughput sequencing pipeline.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience writing/editing protocols and manuscripts.
• Computers skills using a Macintosh.
• Demonstrated experience with database management of clones/samples, including data entry, manipulation and creation of data reports.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Incumbent must be available to work 9AM - 7PM, Monday-Friday and on occasional weekends.
• Willing to work in a laboratory that collects, processes, stores, and assays biohazardous body fluids.

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).