Research Assistant III - Laboratory of Genetics - Dr. Dmitry Lyumkis

The Research Assistant III is responsible for lab management and research duties in support of the Principal Investigator's (PI) studies. The RA III is responsible for all lab materials including plasmid DNA, DNA and custom primer data, chemical inventory list, and freezer/fridge contents, for equipment upkeep and repair, ensuring compliance with all Salk policies, working with collaborators to achieve specific research goals, and managing any scientific or personnel management issues, as appropriate or delegated by the PI, that may arise. The RA III assists PI with budget management, department ordering, acts as lab representative/point person regarding lab issues, and ensuring lab safety. The RA III also conducts experiments involving molecular biology, biochemistry, protein production, purification, binding assays, and some tissue culture work, in support of postdoctoral associates and graduate students. The RA III also assists with hiring new staff, supervising lab staff (junior technicians, students and alike), training staff in molecular biology and biochemistry, and all other techniques as necessary. The RA III may have substantial independence in experimental design, planning, and execution, as relevant to the project needs. The candidate should have in-depth knowledge, both theoretical and practical, of a repertoire of experimental wet-lab techniques and will work on problems in which analysis of situations or data requires a careful evaluation of various factors, to collectively further research goals. The candidate is expected to exercise judgement within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results and will determine optimal approaches and procedures on new assignments. Work is done under periodic supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(50%) Laboratory Management

• Manages resources and databases. Assigns responsibility for daily laboratory duties among research personnel.
• Point-person for laboratory safety. Inspects laboratory space for safe conditions and adherence to safety procedures. Ensures safety information is disseminated promptly to all laboratory members. Implements corrective actions and solutions as needed.
• Manages space and associated resources, oversees general lab maintenance, upkeep, and organization. Prepares laboratory space and equipment for routine inspections by initiating regular lab cleanups, to be performed by all laboratory personnel.
• Ensures all equipment is fully operational with assistance from lab staff. Arranges routine maintenance or repairs. Develops standard operating procedures for relevant equipment with assistance from lab staff. Maintains log books for major equipment (e.g. FPLC).
• Ensures laboratory protocols are written with sufficient detail and uploaded to appropriate servers for future use. In the event of modification to methodology, ensures edits are made to the existing standard operating protocol.
• Trains staff on specific experimental techniques. Oversees and trains laboratory personnel in proper use of laboratory equipment and equipment maintenance.
• Provides technical expertise and answers for research related questions.
• Approves and submits all orders and helps manage funding to be used. With consultation of PI, may be responsible for managing lab budget and finances.
• Receives packages from vendors and collaborators and properly distributes or stores items.
• Coordinates the distribution of samples and other reagents to local or international collaborators or colleagues. Initiates material transfer agreements between collaborators.
• Oversees the expansion and maintenance of freezer and supply inventories, including DNA plasmids, chemicals, primers, cells, etc. Responsible for annual equipment inventory.
• Identifies and mitigates issues with lab staff, escalates to PI if necessary, and implements corrective actions or solutions as needed. Exercises discretion and sound judgement in handling personnel matters.
• Advocates the needs of the laboratory with Salk departments, committees, and labs to allow for the expansion and/or progression of research.
• Communicates and interacts with Salk departments (HR, RACT, PUR) and external vendors to conduct necessary lab business.
• Assists in identifying candidates for hire and the interview process. Welcomes and informs new personnel of institutional operations and procedures. Assists new personnel with gaining access to necessary trainings, websites, and software to be successful.

(50%) Research Support

• Molecular cloning, construct design
• Perform various techniques in molecular biology such as: DNA extraction and analysis, western blotting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.
• DNA or Protein expression, production, and purification. Utilization of various instruments and techniques, including the FPLC; utilizing different columns and applying different protocols for purification (gel filtration, affinity, ion exchange, etc.).
• Responsible for experimental assays broadly involving nucleosome and chromatin production for structural biology and biochemistry.
• May be involved in maintaining 293F cells in tissue culture environment for protein expression and in virus production for insect and/or mammalian cell culture.
• Developing project directions, with partial supervision, as appropriate
• Modifies or adapts standard procedures to meet the needs of specific research projects. Contributes to and oversees the development of new techniques and protocols, utilizing new tools that lead to the modification of methodology and increased quality and reliability of research.
• Studies and analyzes available literature to provide tools and recommendations to reach desired experimental conditions.
• Ensures quality and integrity of all data collected.
• Attends meetings with PI and other lab members to discuss future research direction.
• Assists with grant and contract writing and provides input for project-specific publications.
• Performs pilot experiments to test long term research feasibility using a variety of platforms.

EXPERIENCE

Required

• Minimum 4 years of advanced experience in laboratory environment.

Preferred

• Advanced experience with molecular biology and/or biochemistry techniques.
• Previous experience with laboratory management and organization.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. Bachelor's degrees in a different discipline and a minimum of 6 years of experience in a scientific role will be considered in lieu.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required

• Ability to provide effective leadership and supervision to assigned staff. Ability to communicate and act as a liaison with a diverse group of professionals.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory management and safety procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; interact with all levels of management and employees across multiple departments.
• Excellent written skills and knowledge of English language, including grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to make independent decisions, analyze situations, solve problems, and initiate actions for the effective management of a large and interdisciplinary group.
• Highly organized, effective at multitasking, adept at juggling changing priorities and able to prioritize.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and assist with research projects with high levels of reliability and accuracy with time constraints. Perform basic data and statistical analyses
• Ability to develop, execute, and troubleshoot experiments. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems and develop innovative solutions based on published literature. May have assistance from laboratory personnel or supervisor, as necessary.
• Ability to manage and track large numbers of samples meticulously without mixup or cross contamination.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems, standard business office equipment and commonly used software and tools, such as Microsoft Office, electronic mail, and the internet.

Preferred:

• Strong theoretical and hands on knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry techniques

Salary Range for this position is $56,000-$77,000 annually.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Must be willing to work an adjusted schedule to support research needs.
• Successful completion of the Institute's background investigation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This position requires constant seeing, talking, walking, analyzing, communicating, and working inside.