UC San Diego Health · 17 hours ago
Staff Research Associate - 138091
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$30.32/hr - $48.78/hrUC San Diego Health is a prestigious medical institution focused on education, biomedical research, and clinical care. They are seeking a Staff Research Associate to design and engineer bacteria for functional manipulation of the gut microbiome, contributing to research in cancer and inflammation.
Health Care
Responsibilities
Designing and engineering bacteria to functionally manipulate the gut microbiome and host physiology
Studying the effects of specific bacterial functions and testing functional manipulations of the gut microbiome
Performing various technical procedures with minimal instruction or supervision
Carrying out a variety of technical procedures in animal models of cancer, including transgenic mouse models and implantable models
Designing pre-clinical studies to test the role of the gut microbiome in mouse models of cancer and inflammation
Conducting tissue and cell culture, sterile techniques, and isolating primary cells and cell lines for oncology and immunology research
Developing and performing biochemical and bacterial cell-based assays, designing and validating assays, and analyzing assay data
Utilizing molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA/RNA purification, gel electrophoresis, and protein isolation
Maintaining clear and accurate records, organizing workload, and presenting research progress
Working independently or collaboratively on research projects and maintaining motivation for cutting-edge research
Providing work direction to undergraduate student lab employees and training others in lab techniques and procedures
Qualification
Required
Theoretical knowledge in a related science field as typically attained through a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience
Experience in animal models of cancer including transgenic mouse models and implantable models with the ability to carry out a variety of technical procedures with minimal instruction or supervision
Experience in designing pre-clinical studies with the aim of testing the role of the gut microbiome and its function in mouse models of cancer and inflammation with the ability to carry out a variety of technical procedures with minimal instruction or supervision
Experience in designing circadian biology studies in mouse models of cancer
Experience in tissue and cell culture, sterile techniques, isolation and culture of primary cells and cell lines for oncology and immunology research
Experience in tumor immunology and inflammation
Experience in prokaryotic recombinant gene expression, bacterial physiology, genetics, and strain construction
Excellent technical abilities in microbiology with experience in working with multiple strains; familiarity with current molecular techniques and software, including the ability to design/construct plasmids, genetically manipulate bacterial strains, and analyze sequence data for cloning purposes with prior experience in recombinant gene expression in bacteria, proficiency in cloning/plasmid construction, and bacterial strain construction
Experience in the development and performance of biochemical and bacterial cell-based assays as well as the ability to design/troubleshoot/validate assays and critically analyze assay data
Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA/RNA purification, gel electrophoresis, protein isolation) with the ability to carry out a variety of technical procedures with minimal instruction or supervision
Familiarity with handling BSL-2 bacteria, mammalian cell culture, and sterile technique
Demonstrated excellent organizational skills including ability to keep clear and accurate records, organize a varied workload, and give oral presentations on the progress of research
Enthusiasm for learning and genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles. Ability to take direction, be detail-oriented and follow step-wise instruction
Demonstrated ability to work independently or collaboratively on a research project. Ability to maintain a high level of motivation to contribute to cutting edge research, and seek and learn new experimental methods as required
Demonstrated successful, positive interpersonal oral and written communication skills using tact, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility with diverse personalities and situations. Skill to interact effectively with faculty, academics, students, and staff including those of diverse ethnicity, culture, and foreign nationals
Demonstrated ability to provide work direction to undergraduate student lab employees. Skill to train others in various lab techniques and procedures (safety precautions, preparation of media, dishwashing, equipment usage, laboratory maintenance, etc)
Experience and skill with MS Office programs, Google Docs, file-making, spreadsheet, and graphics software; willingness and ability to update and increase PC skills and knowledge as needed
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality in matters related to work
Knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets, hazard communication, and Injury and Illness Prevention Program; safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, and use of protective items such as gloves and goggles
Preferred
Experience in generating RNA and DNA libraries for next generation sequencing
Experience in preparing multiplex immunoassays and using multiplex systems
Basic knowledge and experience of accounting, billing practices, purchasing and reimbursement procedures. Ability to proactively and appropriately facilitate the maintenance of all lab supplies and equipment, maintain steady levels of lab supplies, and organize purchasing records. Knowledge of UC San Diego Health purchasing procedures
Experience working in gut microbiome experiments including with germ-free mice
Experience maintaining mouse colonies and genotyping mice for the lab including maintenance of transgenic lines and knowledge of humane methods of caring for lab animals. Sensitivity to the needs of laboratory animals in compliance to AAALAC standards
Experience with immunohistochemistry, staining, microscopy, and preparing tissue for histology
Experience with gel electrophoresis and protein isolation
Company
UC San Diego Health
UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region.
Founded in 1966
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
UC San Diego Health has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (308)
2024 (261)
2023 (232)
2022 (223)
2021 (131)
2020 (105)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.2MKey Investors
The Beryl InstituteThe Conrad Prebys Foundation
2025-10-31Grant
2023-06-26Grant· $0.2M
Leadership Team
Christian Dameff
Medical Director of Cybersecurity
Sandip Patel
Professor
Recent News
2025-11-08
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