RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Chanda Lab

About the role

Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Calibr-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases.

The Chanda Lab at Calibr is seeking a highly motivated individual to support antiviral drug and immune modulator discovery programs. Under this role, the ideal candidate will work in a team environment to support the execution of key high-throughput assays, develop new in vitro assays, and maintain virus stocks and cell culture lines.

Responsibilities

• Work under general supervision.
• Perform human primary cell and cell line culture, preparation of media and reagents.
• Compound handling and plate inventory.
• Execute high-throughput assays for screening campaigns.
• Data analysis and lab notebook documentation.
• May provide interpretation and initial analyses of results.
• May assist in designing experiments to complete a segment of overall research plan.
• Perform other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, microbiology or a relevant scientific discipline with 2+ years experience; or Master’s degree with 1-2 years experience.
• Troubleshooting capability and flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with viruses: stock generation, determining infectious titers, setting up in vitro antiviral assays (preferred).
• Experience with cell-based and biochemical assays using methods such as high-content imaging, luminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance (required).
• Experience with database interface and data analysis using Excel and Prism (preferred).
• Experience with automated liquid handling instruments (a plus).
• Experience with gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR, NextGen sequencing, etc.) (a plus).
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. A letter of recommendation and/or at least one professional reference is required.

Physical Requirements

This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. The position requires great attention to detail and dexterity of the hands. Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $23.31 to $28.75 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

Benefits

• 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) using your own pre or post-tax dollars.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site parking.