Healthcare Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Title:
SRA 3 Department:
MEDICINE Hiring Pay Scale
$36.13 - $47.12 / Hour Worksite:
La Jolla Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
RX Contract Total Openings:
1 Work Schedule:
Days, 8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday
#140648 Research Associate - Medicine
Filing Deadline: Fri 8/21/2026
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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 08/11/2026 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
The Department of Medicine (DoM) is the largest department within the UCSD School of Medicine (SoM) and is responsible for fulfilling its teaching, research, and clinical missions. DoM employees approximately 500 salaried faculty, nearly 200 academic appointees, and more than 300 residents, fellows, and postdocs, supported by almost 1,000 staff members. The Division of Nephrology-Hypertension is a leader in clinical care, research, and the training of future nephrologists. The division offers multiple and diverse research activities which include clinical, translational and basic science research. In addition, there are a variety of clinical programs: chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), general nephrology, apheresis, and kidney transplantation.
Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks for complex science research projects which includes executing, analyzing and interpreting molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA protein isolation and quantification, immunoblotting, ELISAs, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and histology. The incumbent will work alongside the PI and make significant contributions that include conceptual development of new experimental strategies, recommend and lead modifications or redirection of research projects and establish and implement new experimental approaches. Incumbent will also oversee animal studies such as maintaining a breeding colony, genotyping, microsurgery. Research Associate will be expected to work independently on data collection, analyses, and contribute to the writing, submission, and revision of scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed, high-impact, indexed journals. The Research Associate will also coordinate laboratory support and maintenance such as ordering laboratory supplies, stocking solutions and will prepare complete written reports of experimental methods and prepare presentations for various meetings. Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced theoretical knowledge in cell biology as typically attained by a Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of experience and education, with the ability to make advanced contributions to research projects at a conceptual level. Master's Degree preferred.
• Extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, immunochemistry, tissue culture, and animal research.
• Proven experience instructing others in lab procedures and techniques. Expert knowledge sufficient to coordinate studies with the lab and other departments. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to be well organized in execution of complex experiments paying close attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience performing advanced techniques in preparation for experiments. Ability to test success of techniques in preparation for next steps in protocol.
• Demonstrated ability to research information and analyze data to arrive at valid conclusions, theoretical determination and recommendations, and plans of action. Strong process orientation.
• Demonstrated experience with mouse and rat handling, surgeries, anesthesia, injections, euthanasia, and tissue harvest.
• Knowledge of bio, chemical, and radiation safety techniques and practices. Demonstrated ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines and implement measures to ensure compliance and maintain associated records.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret and apply protocols in conducting research. Demonstrated ability in following step wise experimental protocols. Skill to troubleshoot adaptations of experimental protocols.
• Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills over a wide range of situations and individuals needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment in person, on the phone, and in writing to a diverse population; including persons from foreign countries, the business community, academicians, students and staff with a high degree of diplomacy, mature judgment, tact, and flexibility. Knowledge of proper formats, grammar, and spelling in English and proofreading ability sufficient to compose, edit, and publish professional correspondence as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend, discuss, and present research materials.
• Demonstrated experience making independent decisions, analyzing situations, problem solving, and initiating action for laboratory maintenance. Proven ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated organizational skills to order and maintain lab reagents and supplies, and keep accurate lab records and computer files. Experience in ordering, maintaining, trouble-shooting, and calibrating general laboratory equipment (e.g. centrifuges, incubators, microscopes, water baths, etc).
• Expertise in utilizing computer software to analyze data, store results and compute raw data. Aptitude to work with and learn new software for analysis. Extensive knowledge of basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Office.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and work effectively with constituents to facilitate the mission of the laboratory
• Willingness to learn new theory, techniques, and tasks and share knowledge.
• Ability to provide quick and flexible leadership around shifts in project needs that occur based on on-the ground realities.
• Ability to prepare publication-ready figures following the different journals guidelines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of UCSD policies and procedures
• Knowledge of established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues. Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $75,449 - $121,324 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $36.13 - $58.11
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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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!
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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.
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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.
a. "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