The Department of Pediatrics is one of the largest departments within the School of Medicine with approximately 250 Faculty, 127 postdoctoral fellows (both MDs and PhDs) along with over 320 support staff (not including hospital staff). In addition, the Department has 68 clinical residents distributed across the Divisions. The missions of research, education, and patient care are intertwined and are integral to the goals of the department.

The Department has undergone significant growth in recent years with a consolidated budget of approximately $183 million including sponsored projects expenditures and clinical revenue. Expansion of the Department's research and clinical portfolio is expected to continue in the next few years.

The Department's 16 divisions include Academic General Pediatrics, Child Development & Community Health; Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology; Cardiology; Dysmorphology; Emergency Medicine; Endocrinology; Gastroenterology; Genetics; Genome Information Sciences; Hospital Medicine; Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics; Infectious Diseases; Neonatology; Nephrology; and Respiratory Medicine.

In 2001, physicians and leadership of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady Children's, and Children's Specialists of San Diego (CSSD) unified pediatric patient care, research, education and community service programs, creating a university-affiliated children's health system to serve the region. Over the past two decades, an extensive list of joint programs has developed, with many physicians and researchers playing a role at both institutions.

This affiliation has consolidated the clinical, teaching, research, and public service programs of the UCSD School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics with San Diego's only health care system dedicated to the health and well-being of children. In 2009, this partnership was furthered by the creation of Rady Children's Specialists of San Diego, a Medical Foundation, and is now recognized as having global leaders in research, technology, translational medicine, education, and clinical excellence.

The multi-disciplinary lab within the Department of Pediatrics explores the roles of RNA biology in regenerative medicine and immune system regulation in cancer and host-pathogen interactions. Projects in the lab use cell culture, animal models, stem cells, human pluripotent cells, and several molecular tools to investigate fundamental mechanisms of cancer, COVID-19, AIDS, brain, and immune disorders.

Under supervision, the Research Associate will perform laboratory experiments such as RNAi and CRISPR gene editing in various cell lines and animal models, effect of various drugs on the brain, single cell RNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq, data generation, and analyses, preparation of reports and presentations.

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of life science such as biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry including relevant laboratory techniques as typically acquired through a Bachelors degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience performing high-level experimental and data analysis tasks.

• Skill in and knowledge of operating and maintaining a variety of lab equipment.

• Experience in maintaining well-organized lab and thorough records. Advanced math skills and ability to handle accounting and billing practices.

• Demonstrated superior oral and written communication skills to communicate research results and carry out collaborative projects.

• Ability to work under supervision and independently on projects with a variety of personalities.

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and to organize a varied workload to meet deadlines despite frequent interruptions.

• Strong computer knowledge: Proficiency with Windows programs and knowledge of library usage with the willingness and ability to learn new hardware/software as required.

• Knowledge of Cal-OSHA & UCSD EH&S safety requirements including MSDS's, hazard communication & Injury and Illness Prevention Program; laboratory safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, use of protective items such as gloves and goggles as well as basic first aid procedures.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals.

• Experience in conducting molecular experiments such as PCR, RNA, DNA assays.

• Ability to use relevant computer software programs to organize and analyze data.

• Skill and knowledge in maintaining cell culture facility.

• Experience receiving and processing new samples of different cell lineages using standard repetitive protocols.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.