Research Support Associate

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HOW TO APPLY

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, .

The IRD for this job is: 08-18-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz is unique among public engineering schools. Founded in 1997, in the age of the internet, the Baskin Engineering community is deeply committed to addressing the most important engineering challenges posed by our modern world. Faculty and students pursue novel, visionary research guided by a mission to create positive societal impact. Through future-looking programs of study and opportunities to engage in collaborative research across campus and with industry partners in Santa Cruz and nearby Silicon Valley, Baskin engineers are developing meaningful innovations that improve the lives of people and the health of our planet.

In addition to the scenic residential campus in Santa Cruz, the Westside Research Park hosts genomics and electrical and computer engineering labs and interdisciplinary research. Baskin's Silicon Valley campus is home to faculty, graduate students, and professional master's programs with deep connections to this world-renowned hub for research and innovation.

Baskin Engineering champions new ideas, fosters collaboration, and upholds the UCSC Principles of Community.

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Support Associate supports day-to-day laboratory operations and active research projects at the Teodorescu and Mostajo-Radji Labs at the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute. The incumbent's work supports the Lab's interdisciplinary research, including the development of mouse and human iPSC-derived brain organoid and assembloid models combined with high-density multielectrode array electrophysiology, single-cell genomics, bioengineering, and machine learning tools to study neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $32.91 - $36.38/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: RX Union

Job Code Classification: 009617 (SRA 2 NEX)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

50% - Laboratory Operations

• Maintains organized and well-stocked laboratory spaces, including reagent inventory, supply ordering, and equipment maintenance.
• Prepares reagents, buffers, and consumable stocks.
• Coordinates with vendors and institutional cores to ensure timely procurement of materials.
• Supports compliance with biosafety protocols and institutional regulations.
• Assists with onboarding new lab members and maintaining up-to-date protocols and SOPs.

50% - Research Support

• Cultures, maintains, and differentiates mouse and human iPSC lines into cortical organoids and assembloid systems.
• Assists with electrophysiology experiments using high-density multielectrode array platforms.
• Performs standard molecular and cellular biology techniques including immunohistochemistry, tissue processing and cryosectioning, PCR, RT-qPCR.
• Assists with sample preparation for single-cell RNA sequencing and other genomics workflows.
• Maintains detailed and accurate records of all experiments and contributes to data organization and quality control.
• Participates in lab meetings and contributes to manuscript preparation, grant reports, and research presentations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Biochemistry or a related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian tissue culture, including routine passaging, quality control, and cryopreservation.
• Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology techniques including immunohistochemistry and tissue processing.
• Experience with mouse or human iPSC culture, differentiation, and characterization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Familiarity with brain organoid or assembloid culture systems.
• Prior laboratory management experience, including supply ordering, equipment maintenance, and SOP development.
• Experience with PCR and RT-qPCR.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in maintaining laboratory records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and ethical laboratory environment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained .

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

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 categories covered by the <