Research Administrative Assistant

9420 Athena Cir, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 28, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Job Summary

Opportunity for a bright and enthusiastic individual to make an important contribution to LJI’s mission by working with and directly assisting our top-ranked faculty members. The position will provide administrative support for assigned faculty by implementing a highly organized and efficient workflow for the faculty member, as well as between the labs and administrative departments. An entrepreneurial spirit and “no task too big or too small” attitude will be required, as the workload will fluctuate between basic daily tasks and important special projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants a career connected to the latest discoveries in human health.

• Maintain faculty calendars, organize lab meetings, and keep the faculty and lab schedule organized.
• Prepare payment requests, expense reports, AmEx reconciliation and other administrative forms in accordance with Institute policies and procedures.
• Process mail; including but not limited to ingoing/outgoing mail for the faculty and lab, Fed Ex shipments, and other items as needed.
• Maintain various sources of information such as End Note, tables for the T32, UCSD adjunct professorships, Pub Med, LJI website, Linked In and other journal “alert” notifications.
• Make travel arrangements for faculty, postdocs and special visitors. This includes registration, airfare, hotel, transportation, and itineraries.
• Help coordinate the seminar speaker series for guests of assigned faculty.
• Organize scientific conferences, events, and other social functions.
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining office supplies for laboratory areas.
• Provide administrative backup to other RAAs as necessary.
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) and the faculty to ensure grant applications, progress reports, and other documents are accurate and timely.
• Assist in completing, submitting and maintaining all protocols.
• Prepare/maintain CV’s and biosketch documents for faculty and research staff.
• Review financial accounts (i.e. monthly animal charges, supplies purchasing, etc.) to help ensure charges are going to the correct accounts.
• Other special assignments will come up frequently based on the needs of the faculty.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• Strong computer skills and demonstrative knowledge of Google Suite, Zoom, Google Calendar, Google Apps, MS Office Suite, and the ability to quickly pick up and understand new software as needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with Institute personnel and outside contacts in a professional manner, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Demonstrated success in following through and completing projects.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and take initiative and ownership of projects.
• Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions
• Other special assignments as needed based on the needs of the faculty.

Education Requirements

• BA/BS, and preferably one (1) year of experience in a professional environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, often 6-8 hours per day, primarily at a desk in front of a computer screen.
• Knowledge of proper posture and ergonomic practices to minimize discomfort during long periods of work.
• Ability to adjust focus and use close vision for tasks requiring prolonged visual concentration.
• Ability to handlephysicaland mental stress, which may include maintaining composure during high-pressure situations or extended work periods.
• Ability to kneel, crouch, or crawl to access low…