Research Assistant II - Laboratory of Dr. Rusty Gage at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

The Research Assistant II will support the Laboratory of Dr. Gage where they will focus on understanding cellular mechanisms of aging, longevity, and resilience to neurodegenerative diseases. The successful candidate will spend half of their time working on independent projects and the other half supporting postdoctoral researchers in the lab. This role involves working with human cellular models derived from fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and directly converted into induced neurons (iNs). The position requires the ability to execute experiments based on instructions from postdocs or the principal investigator (PI) and independently analyze the results. The research aims to identify potential interventions that prevent or reverse aging-associated cellular decline.

The Research Assistant will work closely alongside a postdoctoral fellow who will provide direct supervision. The role involves receiving comprehensive training in various research techniques to offer valuable research support. The Lab Technician will be responsible for conducting experiments designed by the postdoctoral fellow and ensuring precise execution, documentation, and organization of experimental procedures and outcomes.

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

• Independently maintain and culture human iPSCs, iNs, and fibroblast cell lines.


• Assist in developing and refining protocols for cellular reprogramming and differentiation.


• Maintaining cell lines for virus production (lenti/AAV).


• Producing and titrating lentivirus from human cell lines.


• Perform molecular biology techniques, including RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, PCR, DNA and RNA quantification, and recombinant DNA procedures.


• Conduct Western blotting and NGS library construction.


• Perform Maxi preps and plasmid cloning.


• Execute immunofluorescence and imaging analyses on fixed and live human cells, focusing on age-associated cellular markers.


• Contribute to functional assays, including tests for metabolic functionality, DNA repair, and protein expression, relevant to aging and resilience.


• Coordinate with core facilities (Stem Cell Core, Genomic Sequencing Core) for iPSC generation, sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis.


• Maintain accurate records of experimental data and protocols in laboratory notebooks and databases.


• Train junior lab personnel in relevant techniques and experimental protocols.


• Participate in staff meetings and contributing to general problem-solving.


• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, including handling biohazardous materials.


• Support the laboratory’s general organization, including reagent inventory and equipment maintenance.


• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• Minimum 2 years experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.


• 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.


• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office Suite.


• Computer skills preferred: Prism, R, Flojo, Zen.


• Other skills (preferred):
  
  
  • Strong experience in cell culture, particularly with human iPSCs and primary cells.
  
  
  • Proficiency in molecular biology techniques.
  
  
  • Hands-on experience with immunofluorescence microscopy and cellular imaging.
  
  
  • Familiarity with sequencing library preparation, electrophysiology (multi-electrode-array, MEA), or bioinformatics analysis is a plus.
  
  
  • Flow cytometry experience is a plus.
  
  
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic laboratory setting.
  
  
  
  

 
What We Can Offer

 
The expected pay range for this position is $21.15-$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.

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.