RESEARCH ASSISTANT I- Zhu Lab

About the Lab

The Zhu Laboratory is a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation vaccines against diverse viral pathogens, including HIV, HCV, filoviruses, RSV, influenza viruses, and coronaviruses. Research integrates structure-guided vaccine design with molecular biology, protein engineering, immunology, and virology. Experimental approaches include molecular biology, protein production and purification, structural biology (X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy), animal immunization, virus culture and neutralization assays, serological analysis, flow cytometry, single-cell analysis, and next-generation sequencing of immune repertoires.

Dr. Jiang Zhu holds a joint appointment in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology (ISCB) and the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California. More information about the laboratory, ongoing research, and recent publications can be found at: https://www.jzhulab.org/

Position Summary

The Research Assistant I will work closely with the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory members to support multiple research projects. Although molecular biology and protein production will be the primary focus, the research assistant may have opportunities to learn advanced techniques in virology and immunology and participate in preclinical vaccine evaluation studies. The successful candidate may be recognized as a contributor on resulting scientific publications.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques including DNA cloning, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, mammalian cell culture, transfection, protein expression and purification, SDS-PAGE, BN-PAGE, and Western blotting
• Maintain sterile laboratory practices and follow standardized protocols to ensure experimental quality and reproducibility
• Support molecular biology and recombinant protein production workflows for research projects
• Gain hands-on experience in virology and immunology techniques and contribute to preclinical vaccine evaluation studies

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 1-3 years experience required
• Prior experience in protein biochemistry and microbiology is preferred
• Strong motivation to learn new techniques and contribute to collaborative research
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate experimental records
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team

Physical Requirements

This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Details of established essential functions will be addressed 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.

Benefits

• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Remote/Hybrid/Flexible work schedules (Dependent on role)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members
• Free, on-site parking