Stem Cell Research Associate II - 141152

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

Job summary

UC San Diego Health is seeking a research technician to support pre-clinical studies in the Department of Pediatrics. You will assist in performing cell culture, molecular assays, and handling mouse models while maintaining rigorous data records.

The role requires adherence to biosafety guidelines, collaboration with multiple labs, and the ability to work with various biological samples. This full-time position offers growth within a renowned pediatric health system.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in cellular and molecular biology or related field.
• Experience with sterile techniques and mammalian cell culture.
• Experience performing molecular assays and data recording.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, independently perform pre-clinical experiments and manage clinical samples.
• Work with cell types, human blood, and mouse models to collect safety data.
• Maintain lab equipment, assist in mouse colony management, and ensure biosafety compliance.

Skills

Cell culture

RNA/DNA isolation

Real-time PCR

Mouse handling

CRISPR/Cas9

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

PCR machines

Laminar flow hood

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 8/31/2026 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 171 Faculty, 50 post-doctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 300 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 57 clinical residents and fellows 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 has undergone significant growth in recent years with a consolidated budget of approximately $106 million including sponsored projects expenditures of approximately $54 million and clinical revenue of over $ 52 million. This expansion of the Department's research and clinical portfolio is expected to continue in the next few years.

The Department's 18 divisions include Academic General Pediatrics, Child Development & Community Health; Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology; Cardiology; Dermatology; Dysmorphology; Emergency Medicine; Endocrinology; Gastroenterology; Genetics; Genome Information Sciences; Hospital Medicine; Infectious Diseases; Neonatology; Nephrology; Pharmacology & Drug Discovery; Rehabilitation Medicine; and Respiratory Medicine.

In 2001, physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's, and Children's Specialists of San Diego (CSSD) unified pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs, creating a university-affiliated children's health system to serve the region. Over the past two decades, an extensive list of joint programs has developed, with many physicians and researchers playing a role at both institutions.

This affiliation has consolidated the clinical, teaching, research and public service programs of the UCSD School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics with San Diego's only health care system dedicated to the health and well-being of children. In 2009, this partnership was furthered by the creation of Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Foundation, and is now recognized as having global leaders in research, technology, translational medicine, education and clinical excellence.

Under supervision, incumbent will independently perform and oversee pre-clinical experiments and manage clinical samples designed for collection of safety and efficacy data of a gene therapy product. Will work with various cell types, human blood and mouse models. Additional duties include performing general lab duties, being the EH&S biosafety contact, equipment maintenance, new employee onboarding, assisting in mouse colony management, lentivirus production and cell culture. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge in cellular and molecular biology, or other closely related field typically acquired by a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge and understanding of sterile techniques and working with mammalian cell culture practices and microscopy.
• Demonstrated experience performing repetitive and specialized laboratory experimental procedures and following experimental protocols.
• Experience operating, maintaining and repairing a variety of laboratory equipment.
• Effective and diplomatic oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work with a variety of personnel including staff, researchers, and academic supervisors.
• Excellent organization skills, sufficient to multi-task in an extremely fast-paced environment with constant changing priorities. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.
• Working knowledge of various computer software, hardware, and standard office sufficient to record scientific data and results, and prepare reports.
• Ability to quickly learn new laboratory procedures and adapt lessons from one learning episode to similar situations. Ability to maintain a high level of motivation to contribute to cutting edge research, and seek and learn new experimental methods as required.
• Demonstrated experience with mouse handling, preferably with blood sampling, tissue collection, and survival surgery.
• Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology including: RNA/DNA isolation, Real-time PCR, tissue culture, stem cell culture and isolation, and genetic manipulations techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated technology.
• Demonstrated skill in the preparation of reagents and maintenance of laboratory stocks.
• Demonstrated ability to keep clear, detailed, accurate and organized data records.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a research team, and interact effectively with -collaborating labs and others in scientific community.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to use mathematical skills to analyze and develop statistical data.
• Knowledge of lentivirus production, virus transduction of mammalian cells, stem cell isolation, and GLPs is desirable.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
• Must be willing to work in an environment where biological, chemical, and radiological hazards are present.
• Must be willing to perform research on human embryonic stem cells.
• Must be able to work with mice.

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).