Staff Research Associate 1 - 139437

Payroll Title

SRA 1

Department

DIVISION OF BIOLOGICAL SCI.

Hiring Pay Scale

$28.69 - $30.57 / Hour

Worksite

Campus

Appointment Type

Career

Appointment Percent

100%

Union

RX Contract

Total Openings

1

Work Schedule

Days, 8:00am - 4:30pm , Mon - Fri, occasional overtime as needed

#139437 Staff Research Associate 1

Filing Deadline: Fri 5/8/2026

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UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. 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 4/28/26 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

Incumbent will assist the PI and other senior researchers in research projects to determine the extent and mechanisms of neurotransmitter switching and its impact on behavior. Studies will involve adult mice. Techniques will include complex mating and breeding of mice, genotyping, perfusions, brain dissection and sectioning, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization, fluorescence microscopy and western blotting.

Under supervision, perform behavioral tasks and brain surgery. Responsible for laboratory management, including oversight of the laboratory budget, the ordering of supplies, and the maintenance of a safe and secure workplace. Supervise care, breeding and genotyping of lab animals. Hire, train and provide work direction to undergraduate student laboratory assistants. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with molecular biological methods and procedures: DNA/RNA isolation/purification/ amplification, detection, agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis, western blotting.
• Theoretical knowledge of cell biology, histology, molecular biology, immunology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, mammalian physiology, and genetics acquired through Bachelor's degree in biology, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Demonstrated analytical thinker, quick learner, and good listener with ability to follow oral and written instructions and protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in the use of spectrophotometer, balance, vortex, osmometer, pH meter, autoclave, drying oven, micropipette and centrifuge
• Strong knowledge of embryological anatomy, ultrafine dissection, antibiotics, sterile techniques.
• Experience with weighing and measuring chemicals, preparing molar and normal solutions and serial dilutions.
• Skill in maintaining clear and concise records, skill in inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills including phone etiquette, and ability to supervise and interact with varied personalities
• Demonstrated skill to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.
• Computer skills in entering, analyzing, and presenting data, using MS Word and Excel software with willingness and ability to update and increase skills and knowledge as needed.
• Knowledge/understanding and at least some experience with Safety Data Sheets, hazard communication and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Familiarity with a Chemical Hygiene Plan addressing safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of protective items. Willingness and ability to keep safety training current and consistent with research involvement.
• Willingness and ability to work with mice. Humane handling of small animals. Knowledge of animal anatomy, care, feeding, watering & maintenance techniques. Ability to perform subcutaneous injections.
• Sensitivity to the needs of caged laboratory animals in compliance with AAALAC standards.
• Proven ability to learn new experimental methods and work independently or collaboratively with other lab members.
• Knowledge of regulations affecting use, care breeding and disposal of animals. Knowledge of UCSD animal protocols forms preferred.
• Ability to interview, train, and supervise assistants in the use of autoclaves, preparation of solutions, care of laboratory animals, use of catalogs and ordering supplies.
• Ability to work safely with hazardous materials. Experience and knowledge of proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, biochemicals, hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials including radioactive materials.
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.
  
  

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Willingness and ability to work occasional overtime and/or non-standard work hours as determined by the needs of experiments.
• Must be willing to work with mice as a research subject.
• Must be willing and able to work safely with hazardous materials.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry and/or push 20-50 lbs.
• Background check required.
  
  

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $59,905 - $71,451 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $28.69 - $34.22

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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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.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace