Staff Research Associate I

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

About The Position

The Staff Research Associate I (SRA I) is an entry-level research support position in the Department of Chemistry’s Mass Spectrometry Facility (MSF), part of UCI’s MS Shared Matrix Facility supported by UCI’s Cancer Research Center. Under the direct supervision of the Facility Director, the incumbent assists faculty, Principal Investigators, Project Scientists, and senior laboratory personnel with analytical research activities in academic, clinical, or field research settings. The MSF supports more than 250 users and operates 20 instruments from multiple vendors. Its modalities include LC-MS, GC-MS, MALDI-MS, and MALDI Imaging MS. The role performs standardized laboratory and mass spectrometry procedures, collects and organizes experimental data, maintains research materials and equipment, and supports ongoing projects under close supervision. The position also involves routine instrument maintenance, laboratory safety and waste-handling procedures, research documentation, and operational support. The incumbent participates in technical training, laboratory meetings, and required safety and compliance training.

Requirements

Knowledge of and adherence to laboratory safety procedures.
Strong organizational and teamwork capabilities and effective communication skills.
Ability to apply basic scientific analytical workflows and follow detailed technical protocols.
Accurate recordkeeping and data management.
Ability to work independently on routine assignments.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field and research/laboratory experience, or a combination of education and experience.
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Practical experience with mass spectrometry applications, including LC-MS, GC-MS, and/or MALDI-MS.
Familiarity with mass spectrometry data analysis software.
1–3 years of experience.

Responsibilities

Assist with laboratory experiments, method development, and research studies under the direction of faculty and senior research personnel.
Perform routine technical procedures according to established protocols, including LC-MS, GC-MS, and MALDI-MS procedures.
Prepare reagents, samples, cultures, and other research materials for experiments and analyses.
Collect, record, organize, and maintain experimental and observational data; maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, research records, and databases.
Review and validate research data, including small-molecule molecular formula validation and analyte identification.
Conduct literature searches and gather research-related information in support of laboratory projects.
Operate mass spectrometry and related laboratory equipment according to established procedures and protocols.
Perform routine instrument maintenance, including weekly maintenance and operation of quality control standards.
Clean and maintain laboratory instruments, equipment, and workspaces.
Monitor laboratory supplies and consumable inventories and coordinate routine ordering and restocking.
Follow laboratory safety procedures and institutional requirements for handling, storage, and disposal of research materials; collect and dispose of hazardous materials and laboratory waste appropriately.
Enter, verify, organize, and maintain research data and supporting documentation.
Prepare charts, spreadsheets, summaries, and other materials supporting research activities and reporting.
Assist with preparation and maintenance of research documentation, records, and reports.
Provide routine coordination and scheduling support for laboratory and research activities as needed.
Participate in laboratory meetings and technical training to maintain proficiency in procedures, instrumentation, research protocols, and safety requirements.
Complete required institutional and laboratory-specific safety and compliance training.
Assist with routine laboratory activities and operational needs; perform other related duties consistent with the scope and level of the position.