RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Chanda Lab

Scripps Research • San Diego, CA

3d • $23 - $29

About The Position

The Chanda Lab at Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines seeks a highly motivated Research Assistant I to support antiviral drug and immune modulator discovery programs. Working as part of a team and under general supervision, the successful candidate will execute key high-throughput assays, develop new in vitro assays, and maintain virus stocks and cell culture lines. The role also involves preparing cells, media, and reagents; handling compounds and plate inventories; analyzing and documenting data; and, as appropriate, interpreting results and assisting with experiment design. The position is based in a laboratory or vivarium environment. The hiring range is $23.31 to $28.75 per hour, commensurate with experience. Visa sponsorship is not available. A letter of recommendation and/or at least one professional reference is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a relevant scientific discipline.
• At least 2 years of experience; candidates with a Master’s degree require 1–2 years of experience.
• Troubleshooting capability and flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with cell-based and biochemical assays using methods such as high-content imaging, luminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A letter of recommendation and/or at least one professional reference is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with viruses, including stock generation, determining infectious titers, and setting up in vitro antiviral assays.
• Experience with database interfaces and data analysis using Excel and Prism.
• Experience with automated liquid-handling instruments.
• Experience with gene-expression analysis, such as RT-qPCR or NextGen sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Perform human primary cell and cell-line culture and prepare media and reagents.
• Handle compounds and maintain plate inventory.
• Execute high-throughput assays for screening campaigns.
• Analyze data and document work in a laboratory notebook.
• May interpret results and conduct initial analyses.
• May assist with designing experiments to complete a segment of the overall research plan.
• Perform other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Employer-contributed retirement plan, subject to eligibility, with an option to contribute to a 403(b).
• Health and welfare plans, including four medical plan options (one with an HSA option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and an employee assistance program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free on-site parking.

What This Job Offers

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