RESEARCH ASSISTANT I-Zhu 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. 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 I

 POSITION SUMMARY:

The Zhu Lab is seeking a highly motivated individual to join a team of researchers to support vaccine development for diverse viral pathogens such as HIV, HCV, filovirus, RSV, influenza, and Coronavirus.

The experimental methods used in the lab include molecular biology, biochemistry, protein production and purification, structural determination techniques such as x-ray crystallography and electron microscopy, animal immunization, virus culture and neutralization, serological analysis, flow cytometry, single cell analysis, and next-generation sequencing of immune repertoires.

This individual will contribute to different projects assisting the Staff Scientist and Principal Investigator and may also be recognized as a contributor to the resulting publications. Assignments will include performing various molecular biology and protein experiments such as DNA cloning, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, protein analysis including purification and Western Blot, SDS-PAGE, and BN-PAGE, mammalian cell culture and transfection, aseptic techniques, all the while following predefined protocols. While molecular biology or protein production will be the main responsibilities for this position, individuals may have opportunities to learn advanced assays in virology and immunology and participate in vaccine evaluation studies.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Work under general supervision. Assistance given for unusual problems and normally reviewed for application of sound professional judgement
• Ability to independently conduct a wide variety of standard laboratory techniques/procedures. Some ability to use judgement when necessary to adapt standard methods and techniques. Receive instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions. 
• May provide interpretation and initial analyses of results. 
• Limited ability to troubleshoot and modify procedures. 
• May assist in designing experiments to complete a segment of overall research plan.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

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 1-3 years experience.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• This position works in a laboratory environment. 
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $20.67 to $25.06 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement