SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant I will carry out a variety of basic and specialized molecular biology techniques in support of the lab goals. Duties include brain slicing and dissection, nuclei production and sorting for multiomics analysis, protein biochemistry and image analysis. In this role, 75% of the time will be spent on funded projects and the rest on support doctoral researchers in the lab. In addition, the Research Assistant will be responsible for establishing conditions for spatial transcriptomics using MERFISH. The position is subject to training in brain slicing, nuclei production and sorting, neuronal imaging and analysis, and in specific techniques and methods in order to execute experiments that are broadly designed by the PI or postdoctoral researchers. The expectation for the Research Assistant I is to grow into an independent scientist with the ability to carry out and analyze experimental results with limited instruction for routine work. The overall goal of the research is to use epigenomics to create an atlas of the human brain at single-cell resolution.

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

Independently maintains cultures of neuronal/glial cells obtained from differentiation of embryonic neural precursors.
Perform various techniques in molecular biology such as: RNA extraction and analysis.
DNA extraction and analysis, Maxi preps, and PCR and rtPCR.
Gel Electrophoresis, and Recombinant DNA techniques.
lmmunoprecipitation for mass spectrometry
Perform cryostat sectioning for spatial transcriptomics
Perform various staining protocols on fixed brain tissue.
Analyze cells/spines using various fluorescent and confocal microscopes for high power imaging.
Independently slices and dissects brain tissue and prepares cellular nuclei.
Performs quality control of reagents as needed.
Trains and assist other lab personnel with specific research techniques and use of laboratory equipment.
Attend staff meetings and assist with general problem solving.
Assists in Hazardous, Biohazardous and waste disposal.
Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment, maintains lab safety records
Perform other duties as assigned.

What we Require

No professional experience is required.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. A minimum of 2 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.

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03 to $21.00 per hour.

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.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03-$21.00 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 Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

Any combination of characteristics.
A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.

Salk Institute for Biological Studies

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