Research Assistant Jobs in California

About us:

Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Calibr-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant I

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will join the early-stage discovery research team at Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and contribute to both drug discovery and protein engineering programs. A major responsibility will be validating potential drug candidates ("hit compounds") that emerge from DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) screening campaigns across multiple therapeutic areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Validate and characterize hit compounds identified through DEL screening.
• Develop, optimize, and perform biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Produce and purify proteins for screening and characterization studies.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to advance discovery programs.
• Document findings and communicate results effectively.
• Assist in training colleagues and sharing technical expertise when needed.
• Work under supervision to design, execute, analyze, interpret and troubleshoot scientific experiments in biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Accurately maintain written reports and present results in an organized and timely manner to research team.
• Communicate effectively with peers and supervisors, foster teamwork and contribute to collaborative efforts.
• Strong commitment to quality in research and presentation.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

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 1-3 years experience. Candidates possessing a Master’s degree, 0-2 years experience required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or related area.
• Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
• Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues.
• Able to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific discourse.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Skills in molecular biology including DNA isolation and purification, plasmid design, and cloning are required.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, protein expression platforms (i.e. HEK, CHO, or coli), and an understanding of protein purification techniques is preferred.
• Additional experience in HPLC and/or LC-MS is advantageous, but not required.
• Willingness to learn and perform animal work at a later stage for therapeutic evaluation.
• Experience using graphing programs such as Prism and Excel is important.
• Outstanding organizational skills and experience in preparing and presenting scientific data is important.

Physical Requirements:

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

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $20.67 to $25.06 per hour, 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 notice from the Department of Labor.