University of California San Diego
Laboratory Assistant - 138039
University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Overview
Job Title:
SRA 1
Department:
CANCER CENTER/Solid Tumor Therapeutics
Hiring Pay Scale:
$27.85 - $33.22 / Hour
Worksite:
Moores Cancer Center
Appointment Type:
Career
Appointment Percent:
100%
Union:
RX Contract
Total Openings:
1
Work Schedule:
Days, 8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday
Position #138039 Laboratory Assistant
Filing Deadline:
Thu 1/22/2026
Apply for this position by writing “Apply Now” in the job system (note: no clickable link is provided in this refined description).
Note:
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 Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD system, encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These programs and units are dedicated to fulfilling the MCC mission of reducing cancer burden. MCC offers challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment with opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.
MCC’s mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training, with core values including Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.
The pancreatic cancer program at Moores Comprehensive Cancer Center at UC San Diego conducts projects that investigate pancreatic cancer biology and focus on developing new therapies. The lab uses models such as genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), patient-derived xenografts, primary tumor organoids, and patient-derived cell lines to study pancreatic cancer genetics, development, and chemoresistance.
Under close technical supervision, assist in characterizing the impact of the germline BRCA2 mutation on pancreatic cancer initiation and progression through preclinical studies using GEMMs. Support research by processing PDAC patient blood samples to isolate DNA for long-read sequencing and PBMCs for immunological analyses. Contribute to recombinant DNA work and genome engineering. Perform cell culture techniques, including flow cytometry for cell surface protein expression, cell propagation, contaminant testing, and cryopreservation. Assist with mouse colony management and genotyping using established PCR techniques. Work with small animals and assist with procedures such as surgery, pancreatic orthotopic injections, ultrasound imaging, and pregnancy and tumor monitoring. Assist with immunohistochemistry of frozen and fixed tissues or cells. Assist with protein biochemistry techniques, including protein quantification, SDS PAGE, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting. Maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments. Assist in the preparation of data for publication. Other duties assigned as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, and/or biochemistry.
Ability to perform blood sample preparations including centrifugation, pipetting, making various buffer solutions, and proper sample storage. Ability to use biosafety cabinet, ULT/LN freezers, and centrifuge.
Ability and willingness to handle and work with small animals. Ability to perform mouse genotyping using DNA isolation, PCR-based methods and agarose gel electrophoresis, and basic molecular biology experiments. Ability to assist in performing mouse surgeries, experiments, and injections.
Ability to perform basic DNA and protein characterization techniques using electrophoretic analysis, quantification using plate-based analysis, and immunoblot-based analysis.
Strong communication skills (verbal and written) to interact professionally and document research procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality. Organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.
Basic understanding of computer applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Internet search and software analysis capabilities are preferred.
Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize work.
Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills and methods.
Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.
Ability to adhere to established UCSD safety and environmental guidelines.
Familiarity with handling of chemical and biohazard materials and sterile techniques.
Detail-oriented with the ability to work with little supervision, follow instructions, and accurately record data.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
Must be willing and able to work with hazardous materials (biological and chemical).
Must be willing and able to work with small animals and blood samples.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $58,151 - $69,363 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $27.85 - $33.22
Factors in determining compensation include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure, and certifications, and other business needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced is the budgeted salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.
Apply Now Other policy notes
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with vaccination programs. Additional public health directives may apply. Life-support certifications must include hands-on practice and in-person assessment where applicable.
UC San Diego Health Sciences encompasses multiple schools and departments. UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected status. For more information on policies, please refer to UC San Diego anti-discrimination policies and community guidelines. UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco-free environment. Drug screening may be required where applicable. Misconduct Disclosure requirements apply as described in University policy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
SRA 1
Department:
CANCER CENTER/Solid Tumor Therapeutics
Hiring Pay Scale:
$27.85 - $33.22 / Hour
Worksite:
Moores Cancer Center
Appointment Type:
Career
Appointment Percent:
100%
Union:
RX Contract
Total Openings:
1
Work Schedule:
Days, 8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday
Position #138039 Laboratory Assistant
Filing Deadline:
Thu 1/22/2026
Apply for this position by writing “Apply Now” in the job system (note: no clickable link is provided in this refined description).
Note:
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 Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD system, encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These programs and units are dedicated to fulfilling the MCC mission of reducing cancer burden. MCC offers challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment with opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.
MCC’s mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training, with core values including Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.
The pancreatic cancer program at Moores Comprehensive Cancer Center at UC San Diego conducts projects that investigate pancreatic cancer biology and focus on developing new therapies. The lab uses models such as genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), patient-derived xenografts, primary tumor organoids, and patient-derived cell lines to study pancreatic cancer genetics, development, and chemoresistance.
Under close technical supervision, assist in characterizing the impact of the germline BRCA2 mutation on pancreatic cancer initiation and progression through preclinical studies using GEMMs. Support research by processing PDAC patient blood samples to isolate DNA for long-read sequencing and PBMCs for immunological analyses. Contribute to recombinant DNA work and genome engineering. Perform cell culture techniques, including flow cytometry for cell surface protein expression, cell propagation, contaminant testing, and cryopreservation. Assist with mouse colony management and genotyping using established PCR techniques. Work with small animals and assist with procedures such as surgery, pancreatic orthotopic injections, ultrasound imaging, and pregnancy and tumor monitoring. Assist with immunohistochemistry of frozen and fixed tissues or cells. Assist with protein biochemistry techniques, including protein quantification, SDS PAGE, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting. Maintain and prepare accurate records of all experiments. Assist in the preparation of data for publication. Other duties assigned as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, and/or biochemistry.
Ability to perform blood sample preparations including centrifugation, pipetting, making various buffer solutions, and proper sample storage. Ability to use biosafety cabinet, ULT/LN freezers, and centrifuge.
Ability and willingness to handle and work with small animals. Ability to perform mouse genotyping using DNA isolation, PCR-based methods and agarose gel electrophoresis, and basic molecular biology experiments. Ability to assist in performing mouse surgeries, experiments, and injections.
Ability to perform basic DNA and protein characterization techniques using electrophoretic analysis, quantification using plate-based analysis, and immunoblot-based analysis.
Strong communication skills (verbal and written) to interact professionally and document research procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality. Organizational skills to order and maintain lab equipment and supplies.
Basic understanding of computer applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Internet search and software analysis capabilities are preferred.
Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize work.
Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills and methods.
Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.
Ability to adhere to established UCSD safety and environmental guidelines.
Familiarity with handling of chemical and biohazard materials and sterile techniques.
Detail-oriented with the ability to work with little supervision, follow instructions, and accurately record data.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Employment is subject to a criminal background check.
Must be willing and able to work with hazardous materials (biological and chemical).
Must be willing and able to work with small animals and blood samples.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $58,151 - $69,363 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $27.85 - $33.22
Factors in determining compensation include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure, and certifications, and other business needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced is the budgeted salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.
Apply Now Other policy notes
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with vaccination programs. Additional public health directives may apply. Life-support certifications must include hands-on practice and in-person assessment where applicable.
UC San Diego Health Sciences encompasses multiple schools and departments. UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected status. For more information on policies, please refer to UC San Diego anti-discrimination policies and community guidelines. UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco-free environment. Drug screening may be required where applicable. Misconduct Disclosure requirements apply as described in University policy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr