Research Assistant I - Laboratory of Dr. Nicola Allen

This position is to join a group investigating the role of non-neuronal cells called astrocytes in brain development and function in health and disease. The goals of the group are to identify factors released by astrocytes that regulate neuronal function and apply them to disorders where neurons are dysfunctional to rescue the deficit.

This Research Assistant I position is responsible for assisting various molecular biology, cell, and biochemistry techniques; animal handling, training, husbandry, injection, surgery and perfusion; tissue slicing, immunostaining, imaging, data processing, preparing buffer solutions, autoclaving, and other general lab duties in support of the Principal Investigator (PI) and lab research goals.

Additional responsibilities include assisting with general laboratory maintenance, including equipment maintenance, ordering supplies, etc.  The position will be trained in specific techniques and methods to execute experiments that are broadly designed by a Postdoc or PhD student and must be able to carry out and analyze experimental results independently.

Who We Are

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.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Works on problems of moderate scope in which analysis of situation or data requires the review of identifiable factors.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Normally receives general instruction on routine work, and detailed instructions on new assignments.
• Performs animal handling and husbandry.
• Assist with and perform animal injections, surgery, and perfusion.
• Assist with and perform tissue slicing, immunostaining, imaging, data processing, and analysis.
• Independently maintain cultures of human and mouse glial cells and neurons and manage and differentiate cell lines.
• Assist with maintaining laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• 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.
• Demonstrated experience working in a research laboratory setting and knowledge of basic lab techniques required.
• Experience working in an animal research environment required.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03 to $21.00 hourly. 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.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

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 (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), 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), reproductive health decision making, 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.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.

Salary : $18 - $21