Payroll Title:
SRA 4 Department:
PATHOLOGY Hiring Pay Scale
$39.34 - $51.33 / Hour Worksite:
Campus Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
RX Contract Total Openings:
1 Work Schedule:
Days, 8-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday
#139931 Senior Staff Research Associate - PathologyFiling Deadline: Thu 8/20/2026 Apply Now
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEWThe Department of Pathology at UC San Diego aims to achieve the highest standards in patient care, research and education. The Department provides diagnostic pathology services in a wide variety of subspecialties with highly trained subspecialists who are recognized for their expertise. The Department's research programs are diverse and interface with a wealth of basic and translational research programs that are a hallmark of UC San Diego.
POSITION OVERVIEWUnder direction from the Principal Investigator, the Senior Staff Research Associate will work independently to oversee and conduct advanced neuropathological research. The position focuses on the analysis and interpretation of human brain specimens with an emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases. This role requires innovative approaches to research, including the development of novel methodologies and analytical techniques. The incumbent will be expected to make significant contributions to project design and direction, scientific publication, and the acquisition of research funding. Communicate with stakeholders including donor families on research processes and outcomes. Performs all aspects of neuropathological research including gross examination, review of neuroimaging, sampling, histologic evaluation, and reporting. Demonstrates neuroanatomical and neuropathological expertise, good judgment in sampling and workups, and attention to quality control processes. Provides training to staff and students, provides and presents training materials. Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Technical experience in optimal preparation techniques for long-term preservation of research brain and related biospecimens.
- Demonstrated experience in working with collaborators in other universities on joint projects, and working under milestones driven projects, including knowledge in writing reports.
- Knowledge of working in a bio hazardous workplace, including handling of blood borne pathogens, formaldehyde monitoring and storage of hazardous materials.
- Extensive theoretical knowledge of human neuroanatomy, neurobiology and neuropathology, and pathophysiology, or a related field.
- Ability to support outreach and other efforts to promote the biorepository and supported research
- Advanced skill in experimental design and adaptation of methods to achieve results. Demonstrated experience in integrating data from multiple sources to synthesize conclusions. Knowledge and ability to read and abstract scientific articles and apply to the design of experiments.
- Experience in providing technical work direction, guidance and training of students, post-docs, and technicians.
- Proven experience and knowledge in developing hypotheses, design experiments, conduct experiments, analyze data, write manuscripts, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, including all interactions with Reviewers and Editors.
- Strong organizational skills, including experience in laboratory record keeping, budget analysis and managing logistics. Demonstrated knowledge of lab safety rules.
- Proven experience in contributing and implementing innovative ideas and techniques on complex and multi-disciplinary research projects.
- Proven ability to read scientific papers and adapt knowledge and techniques from the literature to experimental systems.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills including tack, diplomacy, and flexibility in order to work and interact effectively and communicate with faculty, trainees, staff, donor families, and the general public regarding the use of anatomical gifts and anatomical materials.
- Knowledge of PC software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Keynote, Illustrator to produce reports, correspondence, graphs, and spreadsheets to generate, track, and analyze data. Demonstrated computer skills in using database registry.
- Ability to perform dissections and preparations for diagnosis and research projects
- Proven ability to manage projects, work independently, and lead teams.
- Knowledge of US and California law governing consent for research tissue and biofluid donation and reporting of results
SPECIAL CONDITIONS- Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
- Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
- Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $82,140 - $132,198 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $39.34 - $63.31
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).
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If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable. 
