This is a Limited appointment for 6-12 months. This appointment may be extended or converted to career status based on the needs of the department.

Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. Our Department combines research on the most consequential and revelatory scientific areas with education aimed at building our future leaders and scientists. The department’s organization is divided among three major academic sections each with its own leadership representation under the Department Chair: Physical, Analytical & Environmental (PAE); Biochemistry & Biophysics (BB); and finally Synthesis, Materials and Chemical Biology (SMCB). The department is comprised of 75 ladder rank faculty, and additional 10 in various instructional titles and ~150 in academic research titles and postdoctoral scholars. The above academic community presents a plethora of diverse complex issues from Health Sciences Compensation Program agreements to adjuncts from national laboratories sharing negotiated employee patent agreements. The department is also comprised of 90 career staff; ~60 temporary or student staff, and 350 Master’s and Ph.D. students. Undergraduate students majoring in chemistry number greater than 1,700, and total undergraduate and graduate annual course enrollments exceed 23,000. The department currently has more than 120 awards from federal, state and private sources for approximately $20 million per annum in extramural funding and $46 million in total annual expenditures.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry manages eight recharge facilities supporting national as well as UCSD-wide research endeavors in academe and industry: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Molecular Mass Spectrometry, Biomolecular and Proteomics Mass Spectroscopy, Inorganic Characterization Instrumentation, Protein Crystallography, Small Molecule X-Ray Crystallography, Fabrication Facility plus the on campus Chemistry Storehouse. In addition, we are home to two national research center grants. The department also manages three major NIH training grants, and one Department of Education training grant, which fund graduate and postdoctoral students across UCSD departments/disciplines as well as off-campus research organizations.

The Joseph Lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCSD studies the molecular mechanism of protein synthesis and translational control. The two main projects are the mechanism of translational control by FMRP and the mechanism of influenza A virus mRNA translation. Additionally, we are developing a new method to monitor mRNA translation in cells. The incumbent will perform a wide variety of standard, repetitive procedures such as protein expression, purification, ribosome purification, characterization of complex formation, cryo-EM, and next-generation sequencing. The incumbent will work independently and as part of a team, establishing and maintaining good working relationships with all research group members.

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet research deadlines.

• Must be willing and able to work safely with hazardous materials.

• Theoretical knowledge of Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field generally acquired through a Bachelor’s Degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge and experience purifying proteins from E. coli and yeast.

• Experience performing and analyzing size exclusion chromatography.

• Experience in protein purification.

• Ability to develop organization of the research work environment of schedules, reagents, and data. Skill to set priorities and use independent judgment to make decisions and solve complex problems.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Good interpersonal communication skills including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility with students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and procedures.

• Knowledge/understanding and at least some experience with Safety Data Sheets, hazard communication and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Familiarity with a Chemical Hygiene Plan addressing safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of protective items. Willingness and ability to keep safety training current and consistent with research involvement.

• Ability to follow established EH&S Safety Regulations, as they pertain to Chemical Waste, Biohazards, and inventory maintenance.

• Enthusiasm for learning and a genuine interest in scientific research. Willingness and ability to learn new skills, research methods, and scientific principles.

• Ability to record scientific data in a well-organized laboratory notebook. Good organizational skills including ability to keep clear and accurate records.

• Background Check required.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $53,766 - $64,143 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $25.75 - $30.72

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).

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

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/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

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