Cancer Research Associate II

La Jolla

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

Payroll Title:

SRA 2 NEX

Department:

MEDICINE/Regenerative Medicine

Hiring Pay Scale

$ $48.78 / Hour

Worksite:

Campus

Appointment Type:

Career

Appointment Percent:

50%

Union:

RX Contract

Total Openings:

1

Work Schedule:

Days, 8 Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday

Filing Deadline: Mon 11/24/2025

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 11/13/25. for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 11/24/2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

The Department of Medicine is responsible for fulfilling the teaching, research, and clinical missions of the University of California, San Diego and employs 486+ full-time salaried faculty members and 100+ academic appointees. Staff personnel include 600+ staff in 9 bargaining units, students, and volunteers. There are 250 clinical faculty practicing at multiple sites and hospitals.

Under supervision, independently perform experiments, make observations, and record experimental data related to research projects. Use basic molecular biological techniques in the development of plasmid and viral based gene transfer vectors. Conduct animal studies including breeding, injections, and maintaining and screening transgenic mouse colony. Perform in vivo fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, necropsy, tissue trimming and histology. Perform basic laboratory activities in the lab including ordering equipment and reagents, and researching journal articles to find appropriate protocols and regulations for experiments. Adhere to laboratory environmental health and safety guidelines, including appropriate radioactive waste, chemical waste and biological waste disposal. Conduct clinical research coordination/protocols. Other duties assigned as needed.

• Four years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area.
• Experience with all aspects of tissue culture including freezing, thawing, counting cells and splitting cultures. Demonstrated experience performing live cell analyses by FACS using fluorescent RNA detection probes.
• Experience in caring for and handling small lab animals (mice) and in administering medications and anesthesia to perform phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures on animals. Willingness and ability to work with rodents and/or other lab animals and/or infected samples.
• Experience using various lab equipment such as microscopes, spectrophotometer, and centrifuges.
• Theoretical knowledge in molecular biology and biochemistry as typically attained by a Bachelors degree.
• Exposure with standard repetitive techniques that may be required in research protocols related to a specific lab. 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.
• Experience reading and using Material Safety Data Sheets. Ability to follow established Safety and Biohazardous Material Guidelines.
• Experience working in and maintaining a sterile environment.
• Skills in accurate record keeping and ability to organize, analyze, and calculate data.
• Experience with the operation of a personal computer and software application, such as MS Word and Excel. Knowledge to work with and learn new software for analysis.
• Manual dexterity and legible handwriting. Ability to assist with general lab maintenance, including cleaning and restocking supplies and managing a regular schedule in the lab.
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as effectively and accurately document research procedures. Ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.
• Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Ability to train students on same.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge sufficient to coordinate studies with other lab personnel. Skill to plan and organize work assignments in an efficient and productive manner.

• Theoretical knowledge of stem cell biology sufficient to aid in the design and interpretation of experiments on those topics.
• Knowledge of UCSD Environmental Health and Safety requirements.
• Experience working with human tissues and performing mononuclear cell isolation by Ficoll density centrifugation.
• Experience in the design, construction, production, purification, and use of viral gene transfer vectors, including adenoviral, lentiviral or retroviral vectors.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
• Must be willing and able to work in BioSafety Level II environment.
• Must be willing and able to work with small animals and biohazardous materials.
• Must be willing to work weekends as needed.

Pay Transparency Act

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

Hourly Equivalent: $ $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).

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.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:

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

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

Date Posted

11/10/2025