RESEARCH ASSISTANT III - Lotz Lab

ABOUT US: Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program.  We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century:  https://100.scripps.edu/

POSITION TITLE:  Research Assistant III

POSITION SUMMARY: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Assistant III to join our dynamic team.  The Lotz Lab is dedicated to studying osteoarthritis (OA) and spine degeneration. Our focus lies in understanding the pathogenesis and homeostasis of human cartilage and vertebral discs at a molecular and cellular level. By employing cutting-edge omics approaches, particularly at the single-cell and single-nuclei level, we aim to identify key regulators involved in these processes. Ultimately, our goal is to develop novel therapeutics in targeting these diseases.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in conducting experiments, tissue collection, data analysis, optimizing techniques, and contributing to the overall research objectives of the lab. Candidate should have excellent organizational skills and be capable of being involved in project coordination and management. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

 Tasks/experiments related to osteoarthritis and spine degeneration research, including but not limited to:

• Perform/Complete entire workflow of in vitro experiments:
  • Isolation and culture of primary cells from human cartilage and vertebral discs
  • Culture of cells, manipulation of cells (treatments with small molecules, proteins, transduction with RNA, plasmids, viruses), isolation of RNA and proteins.
  • Western blotting
  • PCR
  • Data analysis
  • Prepare reports and power point presentations.
• Histology: skills (fixation, embedding, chemical stains, immunohistochemistry).
• Participate in isolating tissues and cells from human knees and spines.
• Skills in data analysis, basic statistics, preparing graphs.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and contribute to manuscript preparation.
• Organize and manage multiple experiments as part of a larger project.
• Project management: help coordinate experiments among lab members and other participants outside the lab (core services, collaborators in other laboratories).

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
• Requires a minimum of 5-7 years’ experience.
• Candidates possessing a master’s degree, 3+ years’ experience required.
• Strong professional interpersonal relations skills to efficiently work in a team of members with diverse skills and backgrounds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  Along with current CV,  cover letter outlining research experience and interests, as well contact information for three references is desired.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $68,000 - $81,600 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (wh