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Research Assistant I, Molecular and Cell Biology, Dr. O'Shea

Salk Institute for Biological Studies
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POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant (early or established stage) with a strong interest in one or more of the following: 1) development of oncolytic viruses using an adenovirus-based platform, 2) research in DNA damage response pathway upon viral infection, and 3) developing human organoids derived from induced-human pluripotent stem cell (iPSC).
Our group develops and applies state-of-the-art viral genome engineering and editing tools, and deep microscopy studies to address fundamental unanswered biological questions with therapeutic relevance at the forefront of virology and molecular biology research. Our laboratory is equipped to conduct virology experiments at BioSafety Level (BSL) 1 and 2. The Research Assistant will assist a senior lab member in the development of novel tools designed to facilitate novel therapeutic applications. The Research Assistant will perform molecular and cellular biology and virology experiments including cell culture, DNA transfection, virus transduction, protein, DNA and RNA expression studies, cloning, flow cytometry, and microscopy. Additional data analysis tasks will include quantification of imaging, validation of flow cytometry data, DNA sequencing and interpretation of protein expression data. Prior experience with wet lab techniques is highly preferred. The Research Assistant will be trained to design and conduct molecular and cellular biology, and virology studies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Lab Support (5%)
  1. Preparation of reagents and research chemicals
  2. Stocking and organizing incoming lab supplies
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology and Virology (75%)
  1. Mammalian cell culture
  2. DNA, RNA, and protein isolation
  3. Plasmid generation by DNA cloning
  4. Protein analysis by Western Blot
  5. Microscopy
  6. Infecting cells with adenovirus (BSL1/2)
  • Data processing (20%)
  1. Quantification of microscopy images
  2. Quantification of flow cytometry data
  3. Validation of sequence data
  4. Statistical analyses of experimental results
  5. Data presentation
EXPERIENCE
Prior experience in a laboratory setting required
Required techniques
  • Agarose gel electrophoresis
  • Western blot
  • PCR
  • Mammalian cell culture
  • Cloning
Preferred techniques
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Microscopy
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor or Master degree in Biology, Chemistry or Virology
Preferred
  • Undergraduate coursework in biology, virology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or chemistry
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Required
  • Punctual, meticulous and rigorous in completing assigned tasks
  • Records all details of the work accurately
  • Driven to learn new techniques (dry lab and wet lab)
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the department
  • Knowledge and experience with PC and Mac operating systems, standard business office equipment and commonly used software and tools, such as Microsoft Office, electronic mail, and the internet
Preferred  
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in researching information and analyzing data to arrive at valid conclusions
  • Ability to learn and carry out new experimental procedures with accuracy and efficiency
  • Demonstrated ability to follow verbal and/or written protocols
  • Skilled in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment
  • Proven organizational and time management skills to successfully set priorities, meet established deadlines and recognize new problems with changing priorities and interruptions
  • Highly organized, effective at multitasking and adept at juggling changing priorities
  • Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
  • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups
  • Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Must be willing to work in a virus-related research environment
  • Satisfactory completion of the Institute’s background investigation
  • Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The position will requires constantly grasping, hearing, keying, seeing, sitting, talking, analyzing, calculating, reading, communicating, reasoning, writing, and working indoors.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)