Research Assistant I - Laboratory of Dr. Rusty Gage at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

SUMMARY:

As a Research Assistant I, this position will be supporting the Laboratory of Dr. Gage where they will focus on research support primarily centered around in vivo rodent experiments, histology, and image analysis. This position will be responsible for conducting drug dosing, assessing animal behavior, and collecting brain tissue samples. The position will also be responsible for performing standard immunohistochemistry techniques and obtaining and analyzing confocal images. Position will also assist with implementation of novel spatial transcriptomics methods, all under the direct supervision of a Staff Scientist. Position will be trained in specific techniques and methods in order to execute experiments designed by Staff Scientist. Research Assistant will be expected to carry out, document, organize, and present experimental results to the research team under close supervision. Research Assistant will also be responsible for equipment maintenance and training within the lab’s histology area. Candidate must be willing to work with rodents (mice), common viral vectors (AAV, lentivirus, or retrovirus), and biological materials derived from these sources.

This position supports the Gage lab’s project investigating the role of individual hippocampal neurons in memory formation and memory discrimination.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform cryo-sectioning, immunostaining, and fluorescent imaging on mouse brain samples


• Perform genotyping for maintenance of a transgenic mouse colony


• Conduct animal behavior experiments, including mouse handling, drug dosing by a variety of routes, and behavioral analysis


• Collect tissues from experimental animals


• Maintain equipment and train new users on basic procedures within lab histology area


• Perform lab support duties which may include preparing standard solutions, stocking/organizing lab supplies, attending staff meetings, assisting in hazardous/biohazardous waste disposal, and maintaining laboratory safety records.


• Keep detailed and complete experimental records


• Work on problems of moderate scope in which analysis of situation or data requires the review of identifiable factors.


• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.


• Work is performed under direct supervision.


• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• No professional experience required.


• Education: Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, 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.


• Other skills (preferred):
  
  
  • 1-2 years’ experience in a laboratory setting.
  
  
  • Demonstrated experience in mouse handling and tissue collection
  
  
  • Demonstrated experience with confocal imaging and imaging analysis, and knowledge of histology and microscopy techniques.
  
  
  • Knowledge of molecular biology and animal behavior, which may be gained from coursework and/or work experience.
  
  
  • Proficient in the operation of standard lab equipment and computer hardware/software relevant to the position and institute.
  
  
  
  

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.


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  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.


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  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:

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  Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.


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  Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.


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  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.


• 
  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.


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  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.


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  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:

• Occasionally required to stand


• Occasionally required to walk


• Occasionally 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


• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals


• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet


• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 5 pounds, continually lift and/or move up to 5pounds


• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus

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. Apply Now