Research Associate II - Immunology (Freire) at J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Position Summary:

This position supports immunology and molecular biology projects focused on infectious disease research at the Institute. The Research Associate will work both independently and as part of a team to conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to scientific investigations. This role involves cell culture, ELISA, spatial transcriptomics, and a variety of molecular biology techniques, including cDNA library construction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.

Position Responsibilities:

• 
  Immunology
  
  
  • Culture and maintain immune cells.
  
  
  • Perform ELISA and other immunological assays.
  
  
  • Analyze and interpret immunological data.
  
  
  • Immune Assays
  
  
  
  


• 
  Molecular Biology
  
  
  • Conduct a range of molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cloning.
  
  
  • Construct cDNA libraries.
  
  
  • Perform Southern and Northern blots.
  
  
  
  


• 
  Spatial Transcriptomics
  
  
  • Independently perform spatial transcriptomics experiments.
  
  
  • Analyze and interpret spatial transcriptomics data.
  
  
  
  


• 
  Sample Preparation
  
  
  • Prepare clinical samples for proteomics analysis.
  
  
  • Saliva and Blood sample prep
  
  
  • Tissue samples
  
  
  
  


• 
  General Lab Duties
  
  
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments.
  
  
  • Maintain sufficient stocks of reagents and supplies for ongoing research activities.
  
  
  • Perform daily maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  
  
  • Adhere to all safety regulations and laboratory protocols.
  
  
  
  


• 
  Collaboration and Communication
  
  
  • Interact with investigators on experimental planning, execution, and analysis.
  
  
  • Participate in laboratory meetings and present research findings.
  
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related field and a minimum of one-year experience required; or a Masters Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Immunology, required.
  
  


• 6 months to 1 year of related work experience in an academic or industry setting.


• Familiarity with spatial transcriptomics techniques and data analysis.


• Experience with Flow jo, Prism, and R-code


• Hands on experience with cell culture techniques (e.g., specific cell types, applicable, and ELISA assays).
  
  


• Proficient in molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
  
  


• Hands-on laboratory experience preferably in an independent project preferred.
  
  


• Must be able to operate standard laboratory equipment such as balances, centrifuges, speed vac, spectrophotometer, and autoclave.
  
  


• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety procedures.
  
  


• Strong computer aptitude, including experience with word processing and spreadsheet software.
  
  


• Must be able to read, comprehend and discuss relevant literature with co-workers.
  
  


• Excellent organization and time management skills.
  
  


• Flexibility to handle a variety of tasks and shift priorities simultaneously.
  
  


• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts; ability to work as an effective team member.
  
  


• Cooperative and service-oriented attitude; must be able to work under pressure and maintain a professional demeanor.
  
  


• Ability to use sound judgment to effectively solve problems within the scope of the position.
  
  


• High level of initiative and ability to work with limited supervision.
  
  


• Superior verbal and written communications skills, record keeping and data analysis skills.
  
  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)


• Ability to work in a confined area.


• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.


• Ability to stand and/or sit for an extended period of time while working in the lab.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment


• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer and lab work


• Light to moderate lifting is required

J. Craig Venter Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.