RESEARCH ASSISTANT II- TB Biology

About Us

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.

Position Summary

The Research Associate will support the TB biology team with daily tasks, which may include conducting research, preparing reagents and managing data. Working conditions will require adherence to basic safety precautions in BSL2 and BSL3 facilities while working with various strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). Individuals may be offered, or in some cases required to receive, vaccinations against relevant agents.

Responsibilities

• Perform and assist in microbiological experiments, including preparation of media and bacterial culturing and modification.
• Perform and assist team members in molecular biology experiments, including isolation and purification of DNA, RNA and PCR and quantitative RT-PCR.
• Execute routine activity profiling of new compound analogs against BSL2 and/or BSL3 TB, including tissue culture, immunology and data analysis.
• Lab notebook documentation.
• Presentation of results in an informal laboratory meeting setting.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
• Requires 3-5 years' experience. Candidates possessing a master's degree, 2+ years' experience required.
• Prior BSL3 training and experience is highly preferred.
• Experience with cell-based and/or biochemical assays using methods such as imaging, luminescence, fluorescence and absorbance in high-density formats.
• Proficiency with software such as GraphPad Prism, flow cytometry software and Microsoft Office, for data analysis, figure generation, data management and uploading.
• Experience with oral and written communications skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• A letter of recommendation from the candidate's most recent employer and/or at least one professional reference is highly preferred.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Physical Requirements

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

Compensation

The compensation for this position is $70,304 per year.

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) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• 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)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking