RESEARCH ASSISTANT II - Chanda Lab

Scripps Research • San Diego, CA

2d

About The Position

The Chanda Lab at Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines seeks a highly motivated Research Assistant II to support antiviral drug and immune modulator discovery programs. Working as part of a team, the successful candidate will execute high-throughput assays, develop new in vitro assays, and maintain virus stocks and cell culture lines. The position includes laboratory and vivarium work and requires attention to detail and manual dexterity. 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 related scientific discipline, with 3–5 years of experience; candidates with a master’s degree require 2 or more years of experience.
• Experience with cell-based and biochemical assays using methods such as high-content imaging, luminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Troubleshooting capability and flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• 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 next-generation sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Perform human primary cell and cell line culture and prepare media and reagents.
• Develop in vitro assays for BSL2-level viruses to support drug discovery workflows.
• Conduct in vivo viral infection studies to evaluate lead compounds.
• Execute high-throughput assays for screening campaigns.
• Analyze data and document work in laboratory notebooks.
• Work under minimal supervision, using judgment to adapt standard laboratory methods and techniques.
• Interpret and analyze results, troubleshoot, and modify procedures.
• Handle compounds and maintain plate inventory.
• May assist in designing experiments for a segment of the overall research plan.
• May perform routine equipment maintenance.
• May provide guidance or training to the department.

Benefits

• Employer-contributed retirement plan, subject to eligibility, with no employee contribution required; option to contribute to a 403(b).
• Health and welfare plans, including three medical plan options (one with an HSA option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, 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