Staff Research Associate - 136155

  • UC San Diego
  • San Diego, California
  • Full Time
Payroll Title: SRA 1 Department: PEDIATRICS Hiring Pay Scale $26.52 - $31.64 / Hour Worksite: La Jolla Appointment Type: Career Appointment Percent: 50-100% Union: RX Contract Total Openings: 1 Work Schedule: Days, 8 Hour Shifts, Monday - Friday #136155 Staff Research Associate Filing Deadline: Fri 8/22/2025 Apply Now
UC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 8/12/2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants : Apply by 8/22/2025. Eligible Special Selection 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.

Cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of death globally and within the United States. Despite its prevalence, the development of effective therapeutics lags behind, with current medications primarily targeting symptoms rather than the underlying molecular causes. The Briganti Lab is dedicated to advancing cardiovascular disease research by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as stem cell and genome editing, functional genomics, and phenotypic models. Our goal is to unveil distinct disease mechanisms associated with cardiovascular conditions and develop precise, mechanism-based therapeutics. We strive to realize the vision of "treating the right patient with the right drug at the right time."

Under supervision, the primary responsibility of this role will be to assist with the differentiation and maintenance human cardiomyocytes as part of our ongoing research efforts. The incumbent will assist with cell culture, specifically with human pluripotent stem cells. The Staff Research Associate exercises strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

* Perform cell culture techniques, with a focus on differentiating and maintaining human cardiomyocytes.

* Prepare reagents, solutions, and media, including dilutions and buffer preparation.

* Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, observations, and results using electronic lab notes - benchling.

* Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth workflow and collaboration.

* Assist with other laboratory tasks and experiments as needed.

General laboratory activities will include helping to maintain lab organization and record keeping, ordering reagents and supplies when needed, troubleshooting experimental design and equipment, attending lab meetings, helping to train undergraduate research trainees, and maintaining a safe work environment according to EH&S, state, and federal standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Theoretical knowledge in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or other related field or comparable level of knowledge and experience.

  • Demonstrated experience of laboratory work with a good understanding of all the components of successful operation of a genetics and molecular biology lab.

  • Proven ability in computer skills, including Office and Excel and Powerpoint.

  • Demonstrated ability to take direction, be detail oriented and follow step-wise instruction.

  • Knowledge of PCR, RT-PCR, and qPCR methodologies.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment; good communication skills.

  • Proven ability to work with a large number of samples with accuracy and efficiency.

  • Punctual, diligent, and highly organized work ethic.

  • Experience with RNA and DNA extraction techniques.

  • Prior cell culture experience is required; experience with human pluripotent stem cells is preferred.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in dilutions and buffer preparation techniques.

  • Knowledge of Western blotting techniques.

  • Commitment to following laboratory safety protocols and procedures.

  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with the UCSD ordering and purchasing systems.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
  • Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
  • Must be willing to vary work schedule to accommodate research needs.
  • Must be willing to work occasional evenings or weekends as required.
  • Must be willing and able to work with biohazardous materials.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $55,374 - $66,064 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $26.52 - $31.64

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).

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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 Principles of Community .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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

Job ID: 488551600
Originally Posted on: 8/8/2025

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