Job Description

As a Research Assistant I, this position will support the laboratory of Dr. Ian Guldner, which investigates how cells communicate with one another through the exchange of proteins and how these communication networks change during aging, neurodegeneration, and disease.

The Guldner Lab combines cell-specific protein tagging, advanced cell isolation approaches, molecular and cellular biology, and in vivo and in vitro models to identify proteins exchanged between different cell types and understand how these interactions influence tissue function and disease. The laboratory also uses genetic and pharmacologic approaches to investigate whether modifying cellular communication networks can influence aging and neurodegenerative processes.

Under direct supervision, the Research Assistant I will support ongoing research projects by performing established laboratory procedures, maintaining biological samples and experimental materials, assisting with mouse-related research activities, collecting and documenting data, and supporting general laboratory operations. The position will receive training in laboratory-specific techniques and is expected to maintain accurate records, follow established protocols, and communicate experimental results to members of the research team.

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. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, 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

• Perform routine molecular and cellular biology procedures in support of studies investigating intercellular protein communication, aging, and neurodegeneration.
• Support experiments involving biological samples and mouse models, including experimental procedures on live mice such as compound treatment, behavioral analyses, and tissue collection.
• Assist with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA preparation, PCR, protein sample preparation, and other established assays as required by individual projects.
• Works on problems of moderate scope in which analysis of situation or data requires the review of identifiable factors.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, organize research data, and assist with basic data analysis and presentation of findings to the research team.
• Maintain laboratory reagents, biological samples, freezer inventories, and shared supplies; assist with ordering and general laboratory organization.
• Follow institutional laboratory safety, biosafety, and animal research requirements and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Follow directions and abide by lab expectations.
• Flexibly performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• No professional experience required.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or 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; R Studio; Accounting Software; ; Inventory Software; Human Resource Systems
• Other skills (preferred):
• Prior experience or internships in a laboratory setting.
• Prior experience with molecular biology, cell biology, in vivo research, direct handling of and experimentation with mice, and mass spectrometry-based protein analysis.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety practices.
• Familiarity with basic molecular and cellular biology techniques, microscopy, and tissue dissociation and cell isolation.
• Interest in aging biology, neuroscience, neurodegeneration, proteomics, or cell-to-cell communication.
• Basic familiarity with laboratory safety and research compliance.

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, 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 (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), 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), reproductive health decision making, 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.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.