Research Assistant I - Laboratory of Dr. Wolfgang Busch

Staff Career•La Jolla, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant I will play a critical operational role in the Harnessing Plants Initiative, focused on large-scale soybean, Arabidopsis and other crop species experiments. Primary responsibilities include growing plants in growth chambers, greenhouses and on agar plates or in culture vessels, harvesting and freezing roots, managing seed stocks, imaging plants, and keeping the laboratory supplied with the reagents and consumables these experiments need. The Research Assistant I will work closely with scientists in the laboratory to keep experiments involving hundreds of plant lines on schedule, with consistent growth conditions, accurate sample tracking and complete records. This position requires strong practical skills in plant growth and handling, sterile technique, media and plate preparation, tissue harvesting and freezing, and careful sample labeling and record keeping. Experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and genotyping is a plus, as is microscopy and preparation of sequencing libraries. The role requires careful attention to detail, reliability with time-sensitive tasks, and the ability to stay on track within a long-term experiment and organize large numbers of samples within a collaborative scientific environment. The Research Assistant I will play a critical operational role in supporting activities within the Harnessing Plants Initiative. Primary responsibilities include plant cultivation, transformation, tissue harvesting, experimental execution, data collection, phenotyping, and analysis across a range of plant species. The role also involves sample preparation and general experimental support, including standard procedures in molecular biology, biochemistry, and plant biology. The Research Assistant I will work closely with scientists in the laboratory to support ongoing research efforts within the Harnessing Plants Initiative. This position requires strong experimental skills, including sterile technique, molecular cloning, DNA and RNA preparation, gel electrophoresis, genotyping, PCR, root sectioning and microscopy. It requires careful attention to detail and the ability to effectively balance research support responsibilities within a collaborative scientific environment. This is a temporary position anticipated for 8-12 months.

Requirements

No professional experience required.
Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required.
A minimum of 2 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelor's degree in a different discipline.
Computer skills required: Microsoft Office
Fundamental skills in molecular biology and plant biology

Nice To Haves

Molecular Biology experience
RNAseq experience
Microscopy
Preparation of sequencing libraries
Basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and genotyping
Sterile technique
Media and plate preparation
Tissue harvesting and freezing
Careful sample labeling and record keeping
Molecular cloning
DNA and RNA preparation
Gel electrophoresis
Genotyping
PCR
Root sectioning and microscopy

Responsibilities

Grow soybean and other plants from seed in growth chambers, greenhouses and on agar plates, including seed sterilization, stratification, soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilization, seed harvesting, and routine plant care.
Prepare sterile growth media, pour agar plates and plate seeds using sterile technique.
Harvest roots and other tissues at set developmental stages and times of day.
Flash freeze samples in liquid nitrogen, then label, track and store them at −80 °C for molecular and single-cell analyses.
Scan plates on a consistent schedule using flatbed and automated plate scanners.
Name, organize and upload image files with complete metadata such as genotype, treatment and date.
Organize and maintain seed stocks for large diversity panels, including seed harvesting, cleaning, packaging, labeling, database entry and storage.
Monitor reagent and consumable stocks, prepare common laboratory solutions, and place orders and receive supplies so experiments are never delayed by missing materials.
Monitor growth chamber and greenhouse conditions and promptly report equipment problems.
Maintain organized inventories of −80 °C freezers, growth chambers and plant rooms.
Record data and observations accurately in laboratory notebooks, spreadsheets and databases.
Assist with DNA extraction, PCR, genotyping and sequence library preparation as needed.
Accurately follow written and verbal instructions and protocols.
Communicate effectively with staff at all levels and across teams.
Perform other related duties as assigned by management.