Staff Research Associate 2 - 137490

La Jolla

9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States

#137490 Staff Research Associate 2

Filing Deadline : Wed 12 / 3 / 2025

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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 11 / 24 / 2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants : Apply by 12 / 3 / 2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The lab within UC San Diego Biological Sciences studies how parasitic cells and animals move, penetrate through tissue, and change shape. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Staff Research Associate will assist in research aimed at understanding the motility of the schistosomule stage of the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. This position will perform a wide variety of standard repetitive procedures, without detailed technical supervision, in order to care for infected Biomphlaria glabrata snails, harvest S. mansoni cercariae, transform cercariae into schistosomules, work with collagen gels and other extracellular matrix, and perform live imaging and image analysis of schistosomule motility. The Staff Research Associate will assist with culturing human and Toxoplasma gondii cell lines, engineering cell lines, imaging cells and parasites using fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative analysis of microscopy images and movies. This position will also perform lab management duties including ordering and receiving supplies, maintaining clear and accurate records and organizational systems, maintaining lab cleanliness, and coordinating lab safety compliance, equipment maintenance, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of cell biology and molecular or organismal biology, physics, or bioengineering, including relevant laboratory techniques, acquired through a B.S. in Biology, Physics, Bioengineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.

Experience working with Schistosoma mansoni and infected Biomphalaria glabrata snails.

Experience harvesting S. mansoni cercariae, transforming cercariae to schistosomules, and stimulating schistosomule activity / motility.

Ability to work with mammalian cell lines, Toxoplasma gondii, and Schistosoma mansoni as research model systems, including experience culturing cells or organisms and passaging cells.

Knowledge of and experience with microscopy of cells or organisms : preparing samples for fixed and live imaging, using fluorescence microscopes, and analyzing imaging data in ImageJ or with other computational tools.

Experience with general laboratory equipment including centrifuges, balances, autoclaves, and pH meters.

Ability to apply quantitative methods (e.g., calculus, statistics, modeling) and physical principles to solve problems in biological research.

Ability to follow established lab protocols and lab procedures and to maintain accurate records of scientific data.

Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills. Demonstrated ability in using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a research team and interact effectively with collaborating labs and others in scientific community.

Excellent organizational and administrative skills.

Experience maintaining databases of items such as plasmids, cell lines, antibody collections, dyes, other reagents, and code.

Skill and knowledge to proactively maintain an organized lab and stocks of essential supplies and media, purchase new equipment, and ensure lab equipment is operating effectively.

Knowledge of purchasing and reimbursement procedures. Commitment to excellence in organizational maintenance of purchasing records and monitoring of lab expenditures.

Experience and knowledge of proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, biochemicals, hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials.

Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Hazard Communication (HAZCOM), Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPP), and Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHP). Ability to conduct safety training on proper chemical handling and the selection / use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and to maintain up-to-date compliance records.

Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Must be willing to work occasional evenings and / or weekends, as required by experiments.

Ability to lift and carry containers, tanks, or equipment, up to 50 lbs, for short distances (e.g. transporting water tanks and snail cultures).

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range : $63,273 - $101,783 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent : $30.30 - $48.75

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.

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.

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.

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