Research Associate, Clinical Research, Medical Technologist & Lab Technician

#138292 Research Associate

Filing Deadline:
Tue 2/10/2026

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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.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Medicine (DOM) is the largest department within the UCSD School of Medicine and is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research, and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. The department employs approximately 500 salaried faculty, 168 academic appointees, 331 residents, fellow and postdocs and 479 staff personnel.

Under supervision, the Research Associate will assist in a variety of laboratory tasks, including blood cell isolation, tissue culture, biorepository inventory management, and proper sample storage for clinical studies performed in the lab. Using cell culture techniques, they will culture and maintain cells in vitro, expose these cells to human serum, and analyze mitochondrial activity by respirometry. Independently, the incumbent will also be responsible for receiving human blood samples and carrying appropriate methods specified by clinical study protocols for cell analysis.

Other responsibilities include contributing to maintaining an organized laboratory environment, including preparing reagents, and ensuring proper disposal of waste. Assist in reviewing and refining protocols, updating documentation, and preparing data for presentations or publications. Will have strong attention to detail and a collaborative mindset. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Theoretical knowledge of cell biology and mitochondrial function as typically attained through a Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of cell-based assays pertaining to investigation of cell identity and function.
• Demonstrated experience performing standard tissue culture including sterile techniques, sub culturing, and cryopreservation.
• Demonstrated experience performing and willingness to handle human blood and/or blood products, and other tissue specimen for deep processing.
• Ability to follow UCSD Safety and Hazardous Materials guidelines. Ability and willingness to work with hazardous/biohazardous materials.
• Excellent organizational skills to organize records/data and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work under supervision and independently on projects with a variety of personalities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in coulter counter operation.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining well-organized and thorough records. Basic computer and statistics skills.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $63,308 - $101,853 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $30.32 - $48.78

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…