Staff Research Associate II - 141404

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Department of Pediatrics seeks a Staff Research Associate II (SRA 2 NEX) to work with Next Generation Sequencing in a high-throughput lab. Responsibilities include DNA/RNA extraction, library prep for PacBio platforms, and assisting with new technology development, SOPs, and data reporting tools.

The role involves training SRAs and students, maintaining equipment, and supporting microbiome sequencing projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in cellular/molecular biology or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent scientific inquiry.
• Strong written and verbal communication with stakeholders.
• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize work.

Responsibilities

• Extract, purify, and analyze DNA and RNA for high-throughput NGS workflows.
• Prepare libraries for Next-Generation Sequencing, including PacBio platforms.
• Assist in developing and testing new technologies, documenting SOPs.
• Train staff on SOPs and safety guidelines; oversee sample operations and inventory.
• Maintain and troubleshoot sequencing equipment and liquid handling systems.
• Create data reporting tools and perform cost analyses for purchases.
• Manage sample metadata and inventory in LIMS.
• Support research on microbiome sequencing and metagenomics projects.

Skills

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

RT-qPCR

DNA/RNA isolation

Sequencing

Micropipetting

Liquid handling automation

Data reporting

Python

Microsoft Office

BSL2+ lab

Education

Bachelor's degree in cellular/molecular biology

Tools

PacBio platforms

LIMS

NextGen Sequencing equipment

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 9/17/2026 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.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 250 Faculty, 127 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 320 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 68 clinical residents distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education and patient care are intertwined, and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department manages a university-affiliated children's health system with the physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's Hospital, and Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Practice Foundation, unifying pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs.

Under the supervision of the Wet Lab Manager, the Staff Research Associate II (SRA 2 NEX) works with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in a high-throughput laboratory. Duties include but are not limited to extracting, purifying, and analyzing DNA and RNA and preparing libraries for NGS, as well as long-read library preparation for the PacBio platforms. The SRA 2 NEX will also assist with new technology development in support of the research program, including documenting the feasibility and testing of new technologies. The SRA 2 NEX also assists in maintaining new equipment and technologies including Next-Gen Sequencing equipment and liquid handlers.

The incumbent will also assist in project operations, logistics, organization, inventory, purchases, and waste management. Delegates tasks to other SRA's as needed. Trains SRAs, undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines. Stays up to date on relevant research and performs literature searches to help guide development of high-throughput projects. Operates, optimizes, and troubleshoots new machinery and protocols. Writes SOPs and creates data reporting tools using Microsoft Office, Python, and other existing bioinformatics tools. Performs cost analysis and coordinating with vendor representatives in order to secure cost-effective purchases. Manages inventory of collected environmental samples, tracks sample locations, and prepares sample metadata files to upload to Laboratory Information System (LIMS) databases.

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 driving 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 and practical knowledge of cellular, molecular and genetic biology, with demonstrated ability to perform independent scientific inquiry as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong communications skills (both written and verbal) needed to interact professionally and effectively with stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials and protocols.

• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize work. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

• Experience with biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequence analysis, RT-qPCR, DNA/RNA isolation, and sequencing.

• Micropipetting and dilutions experience.

• Knowledge and experience in liquid handling automation and ability to develop validated protocols.

• Ability to implement and troubleshoot protocols developed for high-throughput sequencing pipeline. Experience writing/editing protocols and manuscripts.

• Demonstrated experience with database management of clones/samples, including data entry, manipulation and creation of data reports.

• Experience and/or willingness to work in a BSL2+ laboratory processing SARS-CoV-2 positive wastewater and fecal samples.

• Experience working with computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, etc.

• Demonstrated ability to follow university Environmental Health and Safety requirements. Experienced in working and maintaining a sterile environment.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Computer skills using a Macintosh.

• Computer skills using a Macintosh.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Demonstrated ability to follow university Environmental Health and Safety requirements. Experienced in working and maintaining a sterile environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior programming knowledge.

• Prior project management experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Incumbent must be available to work 8AM - 8PM, Monday-Sunday as needed.

• Willing to work in a BSLII laboratory.

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).