Research Assistant - Infectious Disease Team

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant I, Infectious Disease Team

ABOUT US:
Calibr, a division of Scripps Research, is a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Calibr was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Scripps Research is ranked one of the most influential institutions in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while re-investing in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr’s drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under supervision, we seek a team member that has the skill set to function independently and within a team setting to support malaria drug discovery. The ideal candidate will be able to perform research and conduct a wide variety of standard laboratory procedures for projects; analyze data and interpret results; investigate, troubleshoot, and modify methods and procedures as necessary; may assist in designing experiments; may provide routine equipment maintenance as well as guidance/training to other department personnel; perform other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned.

RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES:

• May assist in designing experiments to complete a segment of overall research plan. Specifically, support key secondary studies to assess frequency of resistance, speed of action and target identification of promising antimalarial compounds
• Maintain continuous cell cultures of asexual blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of human malaria, and prepare human blood for parasitic cultures and assays
• Document experiments and data in a lab notebook
• Support routine lab duties (such as, restocking consumables, aliquoting reagents and equipment maintenance)
• Execute weekly or biweekly testing of small-molecule inhibitors in a standardized blood-stage P. falciparum parasites in a 1,536-well assay format, including data analysis, report summary and upload to the Calibr database
• Additional details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills to troubleshoot assay and/or equipment issues affecting data quality and productivity
• Be receptive and responsive to general supervision, with the expectation that the candidate will have increased independence as they gain continued growth on skills and drug discovery experience
• Ability to also maintain additional cultures of select mammalian cell lines

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in either Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry or a relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
• Requires 1-3 years experience. Candidates possessing a Master’s degree, 0-2 years experience required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
• This position works in a laboratory that follows BSL2 practices to support handling of viral, parasitic or bacterial pathogens.

Compensation:

The expected hiring range for this multi-level position is $20.07/hr to $36.06, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Free, on-site parking.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.