Research Assistant I - Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory - Laboratory of Dr. Julie Law

SUMMARY:

As a Research Assistant I, this position will be supporting the laboratory of where they will focus on chromatin and gene regulation. The Harnessing Plants Initiative's (HPI) CO2 Removal on a Planetary Scale (CRoPS) program aims to leverage these processes to develop crop plants that sequester more carbon via extensive root systems containing recalcitrant carbon polymers to fight climate change. A major component of this research is to conduct genetic and genomic analysis for understanding traits relevant for plant improvements.

The Research Assistant I will work closely with a Post Doctoral fellow and other members of the HPI CRoPS program and the Law laboratory to perform various molecular biology and microscopy techniques in support of research projects aimed and understanding gene regulation at the genetic and epigenetic levels. Incumbent will work in a team responsible for (1) phenotyping Arabidopsis thaliana lines of interest (2) screening, genotyping, and maintaining plant lines (3) designing constructs to assess gene function and expression and (4) staining and preparing plant samples for various types of microscopy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct molecular and biotechnology techniques, including:
  
  
  
  • Genotype reporter and mutant lines.
  • Under supervision, assist in designing novel constructs and optimize cloning strategies.
  • Assess the expression of reporter lines via staining, imaging, and/or western blotting.
  • Screen mutants and inducible plant lines for desired traits.
  • Record and analyze all data and observations in an appropriate electronic lab notebook.
  • Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses, ensuring experiments are well documented.
  • Collaborate with and discuss results with the rest of the research team.
  
  
  
  
• Lab Support
  
  
  
  • Prepare solutions, reagents, and media plates.
  • Grow and maintain plant lines.
  • Organize plant lines & construct stocks.
  
  
  
  

• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Normally receives general instruction on routine work, and detailed instructions on new assignments.
• Work is performed under direct supervision.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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):
  
  
  
  • Prior experience or internships in a laboratory setting.
  • Prior experience biological research, ideally with Arabidopsis thaliana.
  • Demonstrated experience and application of molecular biology knowledge, specifically with plant development and molecular genetics.
  • Demonstrated experience with confocal microscopy.
  • Demonstrated experience with plant roots.
  • Demonstrated experience in sample preparation: staining, embedding, slicing etc.
  • Demonstrated experience with routine molecular biology skills: primer design, PCR, qPCR, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extractions, bacterial transformation, and plasmid DNA extraction.
  • Demonstrated experience in basic coding.
  • Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance standards.
  
  
  
  

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community - Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone's ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused, and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success, but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPETENCIES:

• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Continually required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Continually required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Occasionally exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus

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.

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, 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), 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.