Research Assistant II - Laboratory of Dr. Kuo -Fen Lee
Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Job Info

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As a Research Assistant II, this position will be supporting the laboratory of Dr. Lee where they will focus on research support related to The Research Assistant II position is responsible for assisting with research in genetics and diseases in marmoset models. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, she/he will assist in the transgenesis of marmosets and the analysis of the phenotype of the marmoset model. This includes neuroimaging, behavioral tests, stereotaxic injection, tissue and cell culturing, tissue collection and sectioning, immunohistochemistry, PCR, DNA and RNA extractions and genotyping. We are looking for a motivated individual willing to learn colony maintenance such as pedigree recording, pairing/breeding, and stress management. The candidate will also be trained in techniques required in assisting transgenesis of marmosets, including reproductive hormone profiling, oocyte collection, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Other responsibilities include data analysis and maintenance of tissue, DNA, and other experimental samples. Individuals will be expected to determine with moderate direction the timing of experiments, analysis, and presentation of results.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Transgenesis and Experimental Support for Marmoset Project

• Significant focus on procedures in transgenesis of marmosets, including reproductive hormone profiling, monitoring animal health during surgery, embryo and oocyte collection, sperm collection, in vitro fertilization of oocytes, embryo transfer, and care of neonate marmosets.

• With moderate direction from senior staff, responsible for handling marmosets to address routine to moderately complex concerns; evaluates experimental and procedural criteria; makes recommendations for changes; and employs techniques for obtaining results.

• Husbandry and maintenance of marmoset colonies and pedigree record keeping.

• May learn and perform pedigree analysis and establish breeding based on analysis to maintain genetic diversity.

• Performs animal monitoring under supervision of veterinary staff during surgery including but not limited to surgical preparation, anesthetic induction, animal monitoring, surgical assistance and post-operative recovery

• Assists with MRI/PET/CT imaging, stereotaxic injections of viruses and other reagents, behavioral tests, peripheral injections, biopsies, perfusions, and necropsies
• Perform cell and tissue collection and culture

• Assists with marmoset requests and shipments, maintains animal inventory and attends staff meetings related to scope of work

• Prepares and presents experimental results at lab meetings

• Other tasks and experiments as needed with expanding or changing scope of grants.

Lab Maintenance 

• Assist technicians and post-docs with experiments as needed

• Orders, stocks and organize incoming lab supplies as needed

• Attends staff meetings and assists with general problem solving

• Assists in writing of laboratory protocols for experiments

• Assists in Hazardous, Biohazardous, and Radioisotope waste disposal

• Assists in maintaining laboratory safety records

• Coordinates with vendors for problems regarding orders

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 2 years experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a research environment required

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. A minimum of 4 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelor's degree in a different discipline.

• Proficient in the operation of standard lab equipment and computer hardware/software
• Experience in veterinary or animal research support functions such as anesthesia and animal surgical support preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in researching information and analyzing data to arrive at valid conclusions
• Ability to manage and track large numbers of samples meticulously without mix-up or cross contamination
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems, standard business office equipment and commonly used software and tools, such as Microsoft Office, electronic mail, and the internet
• Proficiency with common office software applications as well as software applications used for research, recording, and analysis
• Highly organized, effective at multitasking, adept at juggling changing priorities and able to prioritize
• Proven ability to work both independently and also as part of a collaborative team
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups. Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with personnel at all levels
• Experience working with USDA (NHP preferred) covered species
• Proficient with anesthesia (pre-per-post operative)
• Experience in marmoset and mouse handling. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Must be willing to work with human and non-human tissues and cells and complete all appropriate associated training.
• Must be willing to work independently and must have a flexible schedule to support research needs.
• Successful completion of the Institute’s background investigation.
• As a safeguard for employees and animals, this position may be subject to medical or safety clearance prior to working with specific animals or animal populations as required by research needs including but not limited to:
  • TB Testing/Clearance (every 12 months / once a year)
  • Measles (proof of immunity and/or adequate vaccination)

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community - Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone’s ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused, and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success, but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• 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.
• 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.

 The expected pay range for this position is $21.15-$25.00 per hour. 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, department budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Occasionally required to taste or smell
• Occasionally exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally work in high, precarious places
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions
• Occasionally 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 0-20 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. All individuals who accept a position with the Salk Institute must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment, must successfully complete the Institute’s background investigation and must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

 

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