Research Assistant III - Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Dr. Gerald Shadel
Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Job Info

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Application Instructions:

Employment History Include your last ten (10) years of employment history, or length of your employment history if less, including all positions (even those that are not relevant to this position) and periods of unemployment. Incomplete information could disqualify you from further consideration.

POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of the position is to provide technical and experimental support for ongoing research projects in the Molecular and Cell Biology laboratory supporting Dr. Gerald Shadel. The focus of this role will be of mitochondria and mtDNA in diseases, aging and the immune system. The position requires prior laboratory experience and proficient technical skills in molecular and cellular biology, genetics and biochemistry to assist in the execution of specific assays and design and troubleshooting of new experiments and protocols.

Routine specific activities in the position will include mammalian cell culture and transfections for gene knockdown/overexpression; isolation of proteins and nucleic acids from cells and tissues for western blot, quantitative PCR and RNAseq analysis; fluorescence microscopy and other cell imaging modalities; subcellular fractionation; and various assays of mitochondrial function and stress. Incumbent must be able to interact productively with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students and other lab personnel, as well as capable of working largely independently with only minimal general supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(50%) Molecular Biology Techniques

• Protein purification, western blotting, gel electrophoresis.
• Perform DNA and RNA assays (RT-PCR, ddPCR, RNAseq analysis).
• Perform general molecular biology techniques (plasmid construction/molecular cloning).

(50%) Tissue Culture 

• Culturing mammalian cell types including primary and cancer cell lines.
• Production of lentiviruses.
• Perform transfections and lentiviral infection for overexpression/knockdown in various cell types.
• Isolation of protein, DNA and RNA from cells and tissue.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Minimum 4 years of experience in molecular or cell biology including experience with mammalian cell culture, and cellular and molecular biology techniques.

Preferred:

•  Experience with flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and mouse husbandry

EDUCATION

 Required

•  Bachelor’s degree of science in Biology/Biochemistry or related field

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required

•  Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics and associated experimental techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in researching information and analyzing data to arrive at valid conclusions.
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to keep clear and accurate records, organize a varied workload, follow written and oral protocols and give oral presentations on the progress of research in lab meetings.
• Ability to prioritize and schedule experiments and duties to maximize efficiency.
• Analytical and critical-thinking skills to identify and communicate problems.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility.
• Ability to make independent decisions, analyze situations, and solve problems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; interact with all levels of personal and management.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

•  Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Must be willing to work an adjusted schedule to support research needs.
• Successful completion of the Institute’s background investigation.
• Must be willing to sign an employee confidentiality agreement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This position will constantly be adjusting focus, grasping, hearing, keying, seeing, talking, analyzing, calculating,  communicating, reading, reasoning, writing and working inside. 

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