Research Scientist - Laboratory of Dr. Axel Nimmerjahn

Our research utilizes cross-disciplinary approaches, including molecular biology, genetics, immunohistochemistry, transcriptomics, behavioral testing, imaging, and computational biology, to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases, such as neuropathic pain.

The Research Scientist plays a crucial role in this context. They conduct research, organize and manage research projects, and facilitate key instructional roles within these projects. They will support the Principal Investigator (PI) for manuscript and grant submissions that align with the PI's and the lab's research initiatives. The Research Scientist will be responsible for designing and executing experimental procedures tailored to the objectives of multiple projects. They will also collaborate closely with other scientists in the lab to ensure ongoing productivity on grant-related tasks.

The ideal candidate will be capable of independently performing this research and fostering collaboration within the Nimmerjahn lab, with Salk Core personnel, and with external partners to achieve the lab’s goals. They will assist in organizing collaborative projects and conducting scientific literature evaluations to optimize experimental design and research strategies.

Additional responsibilities include designing protocols and analyzing data, delivering oral presentations, reporting scientific results and progress, and training students and/or research assistants in the lab. The Research Scientist will be a vital link between the lab scientists and the PI, supporting manuscript and grant submissions.

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

Research and Experiment Design:

• Make innovative contributions to laboratory experiments according to the research project’s goals.
• Design & execute experimental procedures, including new techniques, according to the research goals, with critical evaluation of research results.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data, including statistical analysis.
• Manage multiple projects according to project discipline, including organizing lab notebooks and computer files.
• Establish relationship(s) with Salk Core facilities for collaborations/agreements and to gain access to core instruments/technologies.
• Independently perform research experiments. Work collaboratively with and train other lab members to advance the science in the lab.
• Perform general cellular and molecular biology techniques where needed.
• Provide updates on research progress to faculty supervisor in verbal and written forms.
• Conduct presentations to laboratory members and collaborators.
• Prepare documents and supporting materials, including charts and graphs, for professional scientific conferences and publications in scientific journals.
• Examine and interpret scientific literature, content of websites, and other scientific resources to maintain cutting-edge research studies.

Manuscript, Data, and Grant Preparation and Submissions:

• Assist with manuscript writing, editing, and formatting to meet publisher guidelines.
• Prepare documents and supporting materials, including text, tables, and illustrations, for grant submissions by the PI.
• Assist with the preparation of annual grant progress reports.
• Prepare and distribute lab reports, lab manuals, manuscripts, and other materials.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities following the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include training employees, planning and directing work, and resolving problems.

What we Require

• Doctoral Degree (Ph. D.) in any of the following life sciences: Biological Sciences, Neurosciences, or Neuroimmunology.
• Minimum 5 years of research experience in Biological Sciences, Neurosciences, or Neuroimmunology and related techniques (including but not limited to mouse surgeries, behavior testing, transcardial perfusion, flow cytometry, tissue sectioning, immunostaining, and confocal imaging).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mouse models of neuropathic pain.
• Experience managing hypothesis-driven research projects to meet milestones.
• Experience with fellowship or grant writing and submissions, including writing, researching, gathering data, and organizing information to produce clear and concise reports/grants.
• Experience training and advising staff on research techniques.
• Experience establishing and carrying out collaborative projects and research involving two or more laboratories.
• Computer skills required: Proven experience with image and statistical data analysis software (including Fiji, ZEN, MATLAB, GraphPad Prism), professional creative software (including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, BioRender), office software (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and various operating systems (including Windows and Mac OS).

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $32.50 to $40.00 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, 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.

IND123

Salary : $33 - $40