Staff Research Associate III - Medicine - 142092

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers seeks a Staff Research Associate III to manage the day-to-day operations of an academic research laboratory. The role ensures projects, compliance, and timelines are organized, tracked, and completed on time under supervision.

The SRA3 supports PI-directed research by coordinating logistics, maintaining records, and following through on operational, regulatory, and project tasks, without defining research aims or leading programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience supporting lab operations in an academic or research setting.
• Ability to organize, track, document, and meet deadlines across multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of lab workflows to understand protocols and operations.
• Experience coordinating administrative or regulatory tasks in a research setting.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations and administrative coordination.
• Coordinate logistics, maintain records, track timelines and requirements.
• Ensure follow-through on operational, regulatory, and project tasks.
• Support PI-directed research activities without defining research aims or leading programs.

Skills

Biology background

Lab operations experience

Task management

Lab workflows

Regulatory coordination

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field

Job description

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Staff Research Associate III (SRA3) serves as the laboratory manager responsible for the day-to-day operations and administrative coordination of an academic research laboratory. The primary purpose of this role is to ensure that laboratory activities, projects, and compliance requirements are organized, tracked, documented, and completed on time so that nothing falls through the cracks.

This position supports PI-directed research activities by managing laboratory operations, coordinating logistics, maintaining records, tracking timelines and requirements, and ensuring follow-through on operational, regulatory, and project-related tasks. The SRA3 does not independently define research aims, lead scientific programs, or represent the laboratory in sponsor-facing decision-making. Other duties assigned as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced theoretical and working knowledge in biological science or related field, as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting laboratory operations in an academic or research environment.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, track, document, and follow through on multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Working knowledge of laboratory workflows sufficient to understand protocols and operational requirements.
• Experience coordinating administrative or regulatory tasks in a research setting.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a laboratory management or coordination role.
• Familiarity with IACUC, IRB, and EH&S processes.
• Experience maintaining project trackers, documentation systems, or shared records.
• Scientific background sufficient to support laboratory workflows and documentation.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work with animals under approved protocols.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials. Involves laboratory environments with biological materials and hazardous substances and requires completion of required safety training.
• Must be willing to work in laboratory environment requiring use of personal protective equipment and routine physical activity.
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet operational or project deadlines.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $75,449 - $121,324 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $36.13 - $58.11

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).