Job Details

As a Research Assistant I, this position will support the laboratory of Dr. Julie Law where they will focus on chromatin and gene regulation. The Harnessing Plants Initiative’s (HPI) CO2 Removal on a Planetary Scale (CRoPS) program aims to leverage these processes to develop crop plants that sequester more carbon via extensive root systems containing recalcitrant carbon polymers to fight climate change. This position will support a major component of this research which conducts genetic and genomic analysis for understanding traits relevant for plant improvements.

The Research Assistant I will work closely with Dr. Law and fellow lab members of the HPI CRoPS program to perform various molecular biology and microscopy techniques in support of research projects aimed and understanding gene regulation at the genetic and epigenetic levels. Incumbent will work in a team responsible for (1) phenotyping Arabidopsis thaliana lines of interest (2) screening, genotyping, and maintaining plant lines (3) designing constructs to assess gene function and expression and (4) staining and preparing plant samples for various types of microscopy.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, 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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Conduct molecular and biotechnology techniques, including:

Genotype reporter and mutant lines.
Assist in designing novel constructs and optimize cloning strategies.
Assess the expression of reporter lines via staining, imaging, and/or western blotting.
Screen mutants and inducible plant lines for desired traits.
Record and analyze all data and observations in an appropriate electronic lab notebook.
Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses, ensuring experiments are well documented.
Collaborate with and discuss results with the rest of the research team.
Prepare solutions, reagents, and media plates.
Grow and maintain plant lines.
Organize plant lines & construct stocks.
Ability to exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
Ability to follow general instruction on routine work, and detailed instructions on new assignments.
Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

No professional experience required.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, or a 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.
Computer skills required: Microsoft Office.
Other skills (preferred): Prior experience or internships in a laboratory setting. Prior experience biological research, ideally with Arabidopsis thaliana. Demonstrated experience and application of molecular biology knowledge, specifically with plant development and molecular genetics. Demonstrated experience with confocal microscopy, plant roots. Demonstrated experience in sample preparation: staining, embedding, slicing etc. Demonstrated experience with routine molecular biology skills: primer design, PCR, qPCR, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extractions, bacterial transformation, and plasmid DNA extraction. Demonstrated experience in basic coding. Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance standards.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $18.00-$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.