Research Specialist II

Overview

• This position is open until filled and candidate selection will take place after May 27, 2026. 
• The pay rate for this position is budgeted at $21.00 per hour and is non-negotiable. 

The Blanco-Suárez lab focuses on neuroplasticity mechanisms in response to aging, acute injury and other pathological conditions affecting the central nervous system. Under immediate supervision, the Research Specialist gathers, compiles and analyzes research data.

Under general supervision, the Research Specialist gathers, manages, and analyzes experimental and computational research data to support translational research projects. The Blanco-Suárez lab is seeking a highly motivated candidate with strong quantitative and bioinformatics expertise who is completing an M.S. degree and is interested in a long-term role integrating computational analysis with experimental biology.

Responsibilities

Computational & Data Analysis (40%)

• Develop, maintain, and execute reproducible bioinformatics pipelines for analysis of high-throughput datasets (e.g., RNA-seq, proteomics, genomics)
• Perform statistical analysis and data integration using tools such as Python, R, and relevant bioinformatics frameworks
• Apply machine learning or advanced statistical modeling approaches to biological datasets where appropriate
• Generate clear data visualizations and summaries to support publications and grant reports
• Manage and organize large-scale datasets, including cloud or HPC-based workflows

Laboratory & Experimental Support (35%)

• Assist with in vivo experiments including tissue collection, and basic animal handling (training provided as needed)
• Support ongoing studies and data collection
• Conduct wet lab experiments such as nucleic acid/protein extraction, PCR/qPCR, genotyping and related assays
• Collaborate with lab members to integrate experimental and computational findings

Mouse Colony Management & Laboratory Operations (20%)

• Lead maintenance and organization of mouse breeding colonies, including breeding strategy, genotyping coordination, record-keeping, and colony health monitoring
• Coordinate with lab members to ensure availability of appropriate experimental cohorts
• Support laboratory management including inventory, ordering, and compliance documentation (IACUC, BUA, EH&S)
• Contribute to preparation of manuscripts, figures, and grant progress reports
• Train and mentor junior lab members in data analysis and research best practices

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications

Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication, especially for scientific data presentation
• Experience with programming languages such as Python and/or R
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and high-throughput data analysis
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work both independently and collaboratively
• Willingness to take ownership of animal colony management and learn in vivo techniques
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., matplotlib, ggplot2, Prism) is a plus

Required Experience & Education

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, bioninformatics, computational biology, or related field.
• Two years of experience in technical research or statistical work experience. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master's degree (completed by start date) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related discipline preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis, statistical modelin, or bioinformatics workflows.
• Experience working with biological datasets (e.g., sequencing, proteomics, or genomics data).
• Experience building reproducible pipelines (e.g., Snakemake, Nextflow)
• Familiarity with Linux/HPC or cloud computing environments
• Exposure to machine learning approaches in biological research
• Prior experience contributing to publications or collaborative research projects
• Experience with or willingness to learn rodent colony management and in vivo experimental techniques

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.