Research Associate - 135472

Current UC San Diego Health Cellular and Molecular Medicine employees who apply by 06/06/2025 will have priority consideration for this position. Recruiters will refer qualified internal candidates after the first 7 days of the job posting. All qualified external applicants and additional internal applicants who apply after the priority date may have further consideration pending the results of the initial review.

UCSD Health Sciences is a $1 billion dollar plus organization encompassing 16 academic departments (14 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 2 pre-academic/hospital departments, 2 professional schools (School of Medicine and SkaggsSchool of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), 2 hospitals, and various other programs and units all dedicated towards fulfilling the Health Sciences missions. The UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers study fundamental cellular processes and pathways using a variety of techniques from classical genetics and fluorescence microscopy to high-throughput genomics, systems biology, and crystallography. Our 36 faculty and over 200 postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and research staff work on the cutting edge of biology, cutting across fields from basic biochemistry and genetics to genomics, systems biology and stem cell biology. The faculty also play a major role in medical and graduate student training, providing educational and programmatic offerings that span several disciplines and provide diversity to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of students and scholars.

The diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and talents creates a robust work environment withchallenging career opportunities and a commitment to continued growth potential. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically-advanced, and deeply interested individuals who are ready to become a part of our dynamic research and educational environment.

Under general supervision, the incumbent will independently participate in planning and executing various laboratory activities to study gene regulation in the mammalian system that requires a combination of knowledge and skills in multiple scientific disciplines related to next generation sequencing technologies, genomics, molecular biology, cellular biology, and biochemistry with a special emphasis on single cell genomics. Duties will include independently performing experiments such as single-cell assays in various tissues to contribute to the overall success of the project, generating DNA libraries for sequencing, laboratory maintenance, protocol optimization, learning to summarize and prepare technical presentations for updating supervisor and collaborators as appropriate. In addition, the research associate will independently maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments and be responsible for training newly hired staff and students in standard operating procedures. This position will also be responsible for preparing data and experimental description for publication. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Theoretical knowledge in scientific disciplines related to next generation sequencing technologies, genomics, molecular biology, cellular biology, or biochemistry as typically attained with an advanced degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proven ability to isolate cell and nuclei using cell sorting and experience performing molecular biology techniques such as RNA or DNA FISH, IF staining, PCR and quantitative PCR.

• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as MS Word and Excel.

• Proven ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated experience maintaining effective working relationships in a diverse laboratory environment.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with collaborators, research staff, and function as a member of a research team. Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a diverse laboratory environment.

• Enthusiasm for learning new techniques, and working in a fast-paced atmosphere.

• Demonstrated skill or ability to perform molecular cloning and mammalian cell culture.

• Proven experience with nuclei preparations.

• Proven ability to independently plan and perform experiments involving DNA sequencing libraries.

• Demonstrated ability to recognize potential problems, understand, and troubleshoot assays.

• Skill to perform specialized cell biology of frozen and fixed sections consisting of measuring tissue, pulverization with liquid nitrogen, crosslinking, and dissociation of tissue, nuclei extraction, and restriction enzyme digestion.

• Skill to perform specialized cell biology of frozen and fixed sections consisting of measuring tissue, pulverization with liquid nitrogen, crosslinking, and dissociation of tissue, nuclei extraction, and restriction enzyme digestion.

• Hands-on experience with assays such as RNA-seq.

• Experience in a UNIX command environment.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Willingness to work with recombinant DNA, adenovirus, lentivirus, radioactive material, human and animal tissues, and standard hazardous laboratory compounds.

• Willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary.