SCIENTIST, ASSOCIATE

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute • San Diego, CA

7h • $67,007 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary:

The position is at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in Dr. Anne Bang’s lab in the Center for Therapeutics Discovery. Her research program is primarily focused on neurological and neuromuscular disease, with the aim of designing human cell-based models and assays that reflect higher order cellular functions and recapitulate disease phenotypes, yet have the throughput and reproducibility required for drug discovery. Dr. Bang additionally leads efforts at the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, which is the Institute’s state-of-the-art drug discovery and development facility, to develop patient cell specific and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based disease models for drug screening and drug target identification.

We are seeking an Associate Scientist to work on exciting projects using hiPSC to model neurological disease, with opportunities for professional growth, multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for supporting research related to developing patient-specific, cell-based models for neurological disease to screen for drugs, validate new targets and chemical molecules, and probe underlying cellular and molecular processes. The projects will focus on the development of models representing neurological disease phenotypes using patient specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), and will utilize high throughput drug screening technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Neurobiology, Developmental Biology or a related field and three years’ experience in applied laboratory research (e.g. cell-based assay development, including strong experience with mammalian cell culture) required
• The qualified applicant must also have proven experience in one or more of the following areas: cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, neurobiology, electrophysiology.
• Research experience working on neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative diseases would be considered an advantage.
• Experience with human iPSC preferred.
• Have strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Possess strong attention to detail, analytical, time management, and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently, and simultaneously handle multiple projects in a rapidly changing, deadline-driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to work in an interactive team, as well as working independently.
• Able to learn and operate specialized experimentation equipment within the Prebys Center

Nice To Haves

• Research experience working on neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative diseases would be considered an advantage.
• Experience with human iPSC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designs and performs experiments and procedures requiring specific or technical knowledge and laboratory techniques with minimal input from supervisor.
• Performs human pluripotent stem cell culture and assays spanning multiple modalities, including high content imaging, kinetic calcium imaging, multielectrode arrays.
• Independently generates and analyzes data, presents in a concise way and makes suggestions on next logical steps
• Diligently documents performed experiments in lab notebooks and/or designated electronic data system such that other team members can independently reproduce the experimental procedures and data
• Independently operates specialized equipment requiring a moderate degree of skill and able to troubleshoot straightforward problems
• Able to use various sources of literature to practically apply information to work
• Able to assess and resolve issues of moderate complexity
• Presents work to supervisor, lab and/or project meetings
• Contributes to writing of reports and manuscripts, with increasing responsibility over time
• Trains less experienced team members as needed
• Maintains infrastructure of laboratory as required
• Troubleshoots and provides input on possible solutions

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance resources.
• A 403(b) retirement plan featuring a generous employer match of $2 for every $1 you contribute (up to 10% of your salary).
• Flexible spending accounts, identity theft protection, and employee discounts on entertainment, travel, and more.
• Vacation, sick leave, and other applicable leave benefits, plus up to 13 paid holidays per year.
• Year-round wellness programs and events, free on-site parking, and access to 50 electric vehicle charging stations at competitive rates.

What This Job Offers

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