Research Assistant II - Laboratory of Dr. Satchidananda Panda

The Research Assistant II position is responsible for performing various molecular biology, cell and biochemistry techniques; mouse handling and colony maintenance in support of the Principal Investigator (PI) and lab research goals. Other duties include assisting with general laboratory maintenance, including equipment maintenance, and ordering supplies, etc.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, 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 has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, 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

• Purification and manipulation of DNA and RNA from diverse biological sources, including bacteria, cultured cells, tumor sample, fresh and frozen tissues. (e.g. RT-PCR, plasmid and genomic DNA preparation).
• Culture of primary cells and cell lines
• Protein extraction, quantification and western blotting

• Mouse husbandry
• Mouse physiology/activity/behavior analysis, including weighing, running wheel, indirect calorimetry, automated feeding system, treadmill, rotarod, body temperatures, sleep, sleep disruption, blood collection, oral glucose tolerance test, IPGTT
• Dissect adult and embryonic mouse tissues
• Tissue processing for histology, and molecular analysis
• Assist with cell maintenance
• Assist with weekly inventory of lab supplies
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors for technical support and routine maintenance of lab equipment
• Performs other related duties as assigned

What we Require

• Minimum 2 years’ experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Education: 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: Inventory Software; Microsoft Office;
• Other skills (preferred):
• Prior experience or internships in a laboratory setting. 

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $21.15 to $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