Research Assistant II - Laboratory of Dr. Kuo -Fen Lee at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Job Summary

As a Research Assistant II, this position will be supporting the laboratory of Dr. Lee where they will focus on research support related to The Research Assistant II position is responsible for assisting with research in genetics and diseases in marmoset models. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, she/he will assist in the transgenesis of marmosets and the analysis of the phenotype of the marmoset model. This includes neuroimaging, behavioral tests, stereotaxic injection, tissue and cell culturing, tissue collection and sectioning, immunohistochemistry, PCR, DNA and RNA extractions and genotyping. We are looking for a motivated individual willing to learn colony maintenance such as pedigree recording, pairing/breeding, and stress management. The candidate will also be trained in techniques required in assisting transgenesis of marmosets, including reproductive hormone profiling, oocyte collection, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Other responsibilities include data analysis and maintenance of tissue, DNA, and other experimental samples. Individuals will be expected to determine with moderate direction the timing of experiments, analysis, and presentation of results.

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

Transgenesis and Experimental Support for Marmoset Project

• Significant focus on procedures in transgenesis of marmosets, including reproductive hormone profiling, monitoring animal health during surgery, embryo and oocyte collection, sperm collection, in vitro fertilization of oocytes, embryo transfer, and care of neonate marmosets.


• With moderate direction from senior staff, responsible for handling marmosets to address routine to moderately complex concerns; evaluates experimental and procedural criteria; makes recommendations for changes; and employs techniques for obtaining results.


• Husbandry and maintenance of marmoset colonies and pedigree record keeping.


• May learn and perform pedigree analysis and establish breeding based on analysis to maintain genetic diversity.


• Performs animal monitoring under supervision of veterinary staff during surgery including but not limited to surgical preparation, anesthetic induction, animal monitoring, surgical assistance and post-operative recovery


• Assists with MRI/PET/CT imaging, stereotaxic injections of viruses and other reagents, behavioral tests, peripheral injections, biopsies, perfusions, and necropsies


• Perform cell and tissue collection and culture


• Assists with marmoset requests and shipments, maintains animal inventory and attends staff meetings related to scope of work


• Prepares and presents experimental results at lab meetings


• Other tasks and experiments as needed with expanding or changing scope of grants.

Lab Maintenance
 

• Assist technicians and post-docs with experiments as needed


• Orders, stocks and organize incoming lab supplies as needed


• Attends staff meetings and assists with general problem solving


• Assists in writing of laboratory protocols for experiments


• Assists in Hazardous, Biohazardous, and Radioisotope waste disposal


• Assists in maintaining laboratory safety records


• Coordinates with vendors for problems regarding orders

What we Require

• Minimum 2 years experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a research environment required


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  Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. A minimum of 4 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelor's degree in a different discipline.

  
  


• Proficient in the operation of standard lab equipment and computer hardware/software


• Experience in veterinary or animal research support functions such as anesthesia and animal surgical support preferred


• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in researching information and analyzing data to arrive at valid conclusions


• Ability to manage and track large numbers of samples meticulously without mix-up or cross contamination


• Skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment.


• 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


• Proficiency with common office software applications as well as software applications used for research, recording, and analysis


• Highly organized, effective at multitasking, adept at juggling changing priorities and able to prioritize


• Proven ability to work both independently and also as part of a collaborative team


• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written


• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility


• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups. Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with personnel at all levels


• Experience working with USDA (NHP preferred) covered species


• Proficient with anesthesia (pre-per-post operative)


• Experience in marmoset and mouse handling. 
  

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $21.15-$25.00 per hour. 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, department 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, 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.