Research Assistant III, Laboratory of Dan Hollern
Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Job Info

---

SUMMARY

The Research Assistant III is responsible for select lab managerial duties in support of the Principal Investigator’s (PI) studies along with performing and contributing to research on assigned projects within the lab.  Duties include establishing and performing independent research and analysis on projects that involve the study of human and murine B cells.  Flow cytometry, single cell sequencing, special proteomics and transcriptomics (training will be available), and various cellular and molecular biology techniques will be an essential part of this research. Murine models of cancer and immunology are heavily employed in the Hollern lab. May provide task instruction, training, and guidance to lower-level personnel.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Library prep for various omics platforms.
• Plasmid assembly and protein purification, and cloning.
• Handling of tumor specimens in human and murine models.
• Perform various techniques in molecular biology such as: RNA extraction and analysis.
• Maintenance of data sets, lab supplies, and general lab operations.
• Perform tumor studies in mice which include, but are not limited to, xenograft of tumor cell lines and injection of oncogenic lentivirus
• Maintenance of mouse colony including monitoring and measuring of tumors
• Assist with cell maintenance.
• Manages resources/supplies and coordinates research projects to achieve specific goals and timetables
• Identifies problems with the lab procedures, escalates to PI when needed with proposed solutions, and implements corrective action as needed.
• Provides technical expertise, answers research related, operational and Salk procedural questions.
• Oversees general lab maintenance/organization, upkeep, and compliance with safety initiatives.
• Contributes to and oversees the development of new techniques and standardized operating protocols (SOP), utilizing new tools that lead to the modification of methodology and increased quality and reliability of research.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a lab either as technician or assistant.
• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university in Biological Sciences or other scientific related subject matter
• Computer skills required: Inventory Software; Microsoft Office; Project Management Software 

Preferred

• MS or PhD degree in biological sciences 

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• 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.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• 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.
• 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.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.

The expected pay range for this position is $55,994 to $68,160 per annum. 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:

• Frequently required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Frequently required to taste or smell
• Frequently exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Frequently work near moving mechanical parts
• Frequently work in high, precarious places
• Frequently work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Frequently exposure to outside weather conditions
• Frequently exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• Frequently exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 15 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

---