Laboratory and Research Associate - 128034

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 has undergone significant growth in recent years with a consolidated budget of approximately $183 million including sponsored projects expenditures and clinical revenue. Expansion of the Department's research and clinical portfolio is expected to continue in the next few years.

The Department's 16 divisions include Academic General Pediatrics, Child Development & Community Health; Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology; Cardiology; Dysmorphology; Emergency Medicine; Endocrinology; Gastroenterology; Genetics; Genome Information Sciences; Hospital Medicine; Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics; Infectious Diseases; Neonatology; Nephrology; 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.

The multi-disciplinary lab within the Department of Pediatrics explores the roles of RNA biology in regenerative medicine and immune system regulation in cancer and host-pathogen interactions. Projects in the lab use cell culture, animal models, stem cells, human pluripotent cells, and several molecular tools to investigate fundamental mechanisms of cancer, COVID-19, AIDS, brain, and immune disorders.

Under supervision, the Research Associate will perform laboratory experiments such as RNAi and CRISPR gene editing in various cell lines and animal models, effect of various drugs on the brain, single cell RNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq, data generation, and analyses, preparation of reports and presentations.

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of life science such as biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry including relevant laboratory techniques as typically acquired through a Bachelors degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience performing high-level experimental and data analysis tasks.

• Skill in and knowledge of operating and maintaining a variety of lab equipment.

• Experience in maintaining well-organized lab and thorough records. Advanced math skills and ability to handle accounting and billing practices.

• Demonstrated superior oral and written communication skills to communicate research results and carry out collaborative projects.

• Ability to work under supervision and independently on projects with a variety of personalities.

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and to organize a varied workload to meet deadlines despite frequent interruptions.

• Strong computer knowledge: Proficiency with Windows programs and knowledge of library usage with the willingness and ability to learn new hardware/software as required.

• Knowledge of Cal-OSHA & UCSD EH&S safety requirements including MSDS's, hazard communication & Injury and Illness Prevention Program; laboratory safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, use of protective items such as gloves and goggles as well as basic first aid procedures.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals.

• Experience in conducting molecular experiments such as PCR, RNA, DNA assays.

• Ability to use relevant computer software programs to organize and analyze data.

• Skill and knowledge in maintaining cell culture facility.

• Experience receiving and processing new samples of different cell lineages using standard repetitive protocols.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health Sciences is comprised of our School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, and our Student Health and Well-Being Department. We have long been at the forefront of translational - or "bench-to-bedside" - research, transforming patient care through discovery and innovation leading to new drugs and technologies. Translational research is carried out every day in the hundreds of clinical trials of promising new therapies offered through UC San Diego Health, and in the drive of our researchers and clinician-scientists who are committed to having a significant impact on patient care. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit .

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit:
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.