Research Assistant II

The Research Assistant II position is responsible for, with limited instruction for routine work, performing various cell and molecular biology and biochemistry techniques; library prep, mouse handling and colony maintenance, minor mouse surgeries, mouse breeding and weaning, genotyping, flow cytometry and cell sorting, ELISA, single-cell RNA expression analysis in support of the Principal Investigator (PI) and lab research goals. Range of duties include, but is not limited to, data analysis and data base management, maintenance of tissue, DNA, and other experimental samples, assisting with general laboratory maintenance, including equipment maintenance, and ordering of supplies, and training of new personnel. Duties also include establishing and performing research and analysis on projects that involve the study of human and murine B cells. May provide task instruction, training, and guidance to lower-level personnel. May work on independent projects in addition to supporting postdoctoral researchers in the lab. Carries out and analyzes experimental results with limited instruction.

Who We Are
The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Library prep for various omics platforms.
• Plasmid assembly and protein purification, and cloning.
• Handling of tumor specimens in human and murine models.
• Perform various techniques in molecular biology such as: RNA extraction and analysis.
• Maintenance of data sets, lab supplies, and general lab operations.
• Perform tumor studies in mice which include, but are not limited to, xenograft of tumor cell lines and injection of oncogenic lentivirus
• Manage and/or perform maintenance of mouse colony including monitoring and measuring of tumors
• Assist with cell maintenance.
• Prepare standard media and solutions.
• Perform weekly inventory, supply stocking, and cleaning.
• Assist in Hazardous, Biohazardous, and Radioisotope waste disposal and maintain safety records
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

What We Require

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a lab either as technician or assistant.
• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university in Biological Sciences or other scientific related subject matter.
• Computer skills required: Inventory Software; Microsoft Office; Project Management Software.

The expected pay range for this position is $21.15 to $25.00 hourly.
Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Salk Values
The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

• Any combination of characteristics.
• A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
• A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.