RESEARCH TECHNICIAN - Liu lab
About The Position
Research Technician positions are available in the Liu Lab at Scripps Research. We are a new lab in the Department of Chemistry starting immediately and are seeking highly motivated full-time Research Technicians. A strong background in molecular biology, chemistry, or chemical/biomolecular engineering is required. We are broadly interested in using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to transform microorganisms into programmable platforms capable of producing entire families of complex, high-value molecules that are inaccessible through traditional discovery or synthesis. A major focus is on reconstructing, redesigning, and evolving multi-enzyme systems in engineered hosts such as yeast and E. coli to uncover biosynthetic logic and generate fundamentally new peptide scaffolds. This work integrates pathway refactoring, enzyme engineering, strain optimization, and high-throughput analytical chemistry. Our long-term vision is to build a platform that makes antibiotic discovery programmable to enable rapid access to diverse, next-generation peptide antibiotics to address antimicrobial resistance and unlock new therapeutic opportunities. Find out more from our group website: https://www.liulabscripps.com/
Requirements
- Requires a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other relevant scientific discipline with one year minimum of related experience.
Nice To Haves
- Sc. or B.A. in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related field.
- Understanding of DNAs and proteins.
- Prior hands-on experience with DNA or protein purification, molecular biology, bacterial genetics, and assay development are preferred, but any exceptionally creative and driven individual will be thoroughly considered.
- Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, interperetation, and presentation skills.
- Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
- Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills.
Responsibilities
- Perform research and conduct a wide variety of standard laboratory techniques of synthetic biology (polymerase chain reaction, molecular cloning, DNA sequencing) for projects independently and in collaboration with others.
- Record and analyze data, and interpret results.
- Investigate, troubleshoot and modify methods and procedures as necessary.
- Provide routine equipment maintenance, as well as guidance/training to other department personnel.
- Perform other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned.
- Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
Benefits
- Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
- Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
- Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
- Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
- Free, on-site parking
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Industry
Educational Services
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
