Research Assistant I - Laboratory of Dr. Rusty Gage

As a Research Assistant I, this position will be supporting the Laboratory of Dr. Gage where they will focus on research support primarily centered around developing novel sequencing methods. This position will be responsible for standard molecular biology such as making buffers, running PCR reactions, and performing other DNA reactions in a tube. Position will also be responsible for assisting with sample preparation from rodent and human cells as well as assisting with the development of novel spatial profiling methods using pre-processed rodent and human tissues all under the direct supervision of a Postdoc. Position will be trained in specific techniques and methods in order to execute experiments designed by Postdoc. Research Assistant will be expected to carry out, document, organize, and present experimental results to the research team under close supervision. Candidate must be willing to work with bacteria, human cells, stem cells, and lenti virus and biological materials derived from these sources.

This position supports the Gage lab's Keck award to investigate ribosubstitution in aged and Alzheimer's disease neurons.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, 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 has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, 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

• Performs various molecular biology techniques such as DNA & RNA extraction and analysis, PCR and rtPCR, Gel Electrophoresis, and NGS library prep.
• Assists with Cell Culture including regular maintenance of human cell culture lines, performing dose response experiments on cells, performing differentiation experiments to generate neurons, and maintaining and organizing liquid nitrogen banks.
• Performs lab support duties which may include preparing standard solutions, socking/organizing lab supplies, attending staff meetings, assisting in hazardous/biohazardous waste disposal, and maintaining laboratory safety records.
• Works on problems of moderate scope in which analysis of situation or data requires the review of identifiable factors.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Work is performed under direct supervision.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• No professional experience required.
• Education: 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.
• Other skills (preferred):
  
  
  
  • 1-2 years' experience in a laboratory setting.
  • Demonstrated experience in wet bench work, experience with confocal imaging and imaging analysis, and knowledge of histology, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques.
  • Prior experience with histology, which may be gained from coursework and/or work experience.
  • Proficient in the operation of standard lab equipment and computer hardware/software relevant to the position and institute.
  
  
  
  

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03-$21.00 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.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

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:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. 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.