Research Assistant I

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute • San Diego, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Sanford Burnham Prebys is a global community of scientists and researchers from over 30 countries, dedicated to advancing biomedical sciences and cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders. Our mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health. The Research Assistant I will work in the Colas Lab supporting the RILPL1 project, which investigates how RILPL1 regulates the p53–MyoD axis to control muscle cell identity, hypertrophy, and myofiber size in cardiac and skeletal muscle. This role involves in vitro assays such as myoblast/myotube culture, siRNA/shRNA-mediated knockdown, hypertrophy assays, and immunofluorescence-based myofiber size analysis, as well as in vivo work including mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, tissue collection, and histology. The Research Assistant will learn new technologies and apply existing knowledge to procedures and bench-work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the biological science or related studies OR equivalent education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.
• Work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Be responsible and have strong time management skills.
• Able to analyze and resolve issues of moderate complexity.
• Possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

• Prior lab experience is a plus.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with mouse handling/husbandry.
• Experience with immunofluorescence or histology.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western blot).
• IACUC training will be provided if not already completed.

Responsibilities

• Performs cell culture, siRNA/shRNA transfection, and hypertrophy assays in myoblast and myotube models.
• Processes mouse tissue for histology and myofiber size analysis.
• Keeps written records of experiments and data organization.
• Troubleshoots problems and develops solutions to technical problems of moderate to high scope using independent thinking, literature, and colleagues as resources.
• Provides interpretation and analysis of RILPL1 project data (imaging, qPCR, Western blot).
• Maintains various reagent collections and inventories, and orders lab supplies as needed.

Benefits

• We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
• Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level