The Research Assistant I is responsible for research support and some lab management duties in support of the Principal Investigator's (PI) studies along with duties involving molecular biology, biochemistry, protein production, purification. Duties include performing basic molecular biology and biochemical experiments for protein production, purification, and for biochemical assays in support of research projects, assisting the postdoctoral associates with experimental design and direction, supervising and assisting with training of junior lab staff (junior technicians, students and volunteers), as necessary. Incumbent is also responsible for assisting with general laboratory duties, equipment upkeep and repair, ensuring compliance with all Salk policies, and working with collaborators to achieve specific research goals.

Works on problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors. Exercises judgement within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. May determine methods and procedures on new assignments. May provide supervision, training and guidance to lower-level personnel. Work is done under periodic supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• General protein production and purification for several projects
• Works with the E. coli systems for protein production. Utilize different expression protocols to produce proteins.
• Performs various techniques in molecular biology such as: DNA extraction and analysis, western blotting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, etc.
• Uses a variety of equipment for protein purification, including the Akta FPLC, a gradient station, and preparatory cell.
• Employs different purification protocols, including for size exclusion chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, affinity purification, gradients, and others as per research demands.
• Performs biochemical binding assays, activity assays, evaluating formation of protein complexes.
• Presents data at sub-group and at group meetings, and presents research papers in journal clubs.
• Writes laboratory protocols for experiments and ensures their compliance within the laboratory.
• Assists with stocking, ordering, maintaining, and keeping track of resources, chemicals, and supplies; assists with maintaining inventory.
• Assists with performing regular maintenance and calibration of equipment; ensuring equipment is operational; assists with instrument repairs when necessary.
• Assists with cleanups.
• Trains incoming or lower-level staff, as appropriate
• Communicates with vendors and Salk personnel, operational and procedural.
• Trains staff on specific molecular biology and related techniques. Trains laboratory personnel in proper use of laboratory equipment and equipment maintenance and assists in hiring process of new staff.
• Maintains logbooks for major equipment (e.g. FPLC).
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• No professional experience 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: (Select all applicable): Accounting Software; Contract Management Systems; Development Software; Human Resource Systems; Inventory Software; Microsoft Office; Payroll Systems; Project Management Software)
• Other skills (preferred):
  • Prior experience or internships in a laboratory setting.
  • Prior experience with histology, which may be gained from coursework and/or work experience.
  • Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety practices.
  • Familiarity with specific laboratory techniques or equipment relevant to the Institute's operations.
  • Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance standards.
  • Specific interests and advanced skills in biochemical methods

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community - Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone's ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused, and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success, but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPETENCIES:

• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03-$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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Continually required to stand
• Continually required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually work near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually work in high, precarious places
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

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, 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), 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.