Senior Level Lab Assistant Jobs

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant IV

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position involves coagulation biochemistry, murine in-vivo studies, protein engineering, molecular biology, mammalian tissue culture, and translational science.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, design, and execute complex and novel research studies in coagulation biochemistry, including protein purification, functional assays, and kinetic/mechanistic characterization of coagulation factors.
• Design and conduct murine in vivo studies, including animal handling, dosing, surgical procedures, blood/tissue collection, and phenotypic analysis, in accordance with IACUC protocols and institutional animal welfare guidelines.
• Maintain and manage a designated portion of the mouse colony, including breeding, genotyping, colony record-keeping, and coordination with veterinary/animal care staff to ensure colony health and appropriate animal availability for study needs.
• Perform protein engineering work, including construct design, site-directed mutagenesis, expression vector development, and protein expression/purification strategies.
• Maintain and manipulate mammalian cell culture systems, including cell line maintenance, transfection, and generation of stable/transient expression systems.
• Perform comprehensive data analysis and statistical interpretation of complex experimental results; prepare summaries, reports, and figures for internal review and publication.
• Assist principal investigators and senior scientists in experimental design, hypothesis generation, and research planning.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including electronic lab notebooks, SOPs, and regulatory documentation.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, institutional biosafety guidelines, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including other scientists, veterinary staff, and core facility personnel, to advance research goals.
• Present research findings at lab meetings, departmental seminars, or scientific conferences as appropriate.
• Contribute to grant applications, manuscripts, and other scientific documentation as needed.
• Perform other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
• Requires a minimum of 7 years’ experience.
• Candidates possessing a master’s degree, 5+ years’ experience required.
• Must have mouse-handling skills and in vivo microscopy skills as well.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $75,000 to $90,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• 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) using your own pre or post-tax dollars.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including four 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.

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.