Research Technician Or Research Assistant I, Infectious Disease Team

POSITION TITLE: Research Technician or 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 OVERVIEW:

The Calibr Infectious Disease team is seeking a highly motivated individual to support antiviral drug discovery with an initial focus on dengue virus and herpesviruses. Under supervision, we seek a team member who has the skillset to function independently and within a team setting. The ideal candidate will be able to execute key high-throughput assays and assist with the development of new assays. This will involve performing a variety of standard virology procedures, analyzing data and assembling scientific reports, investigating, troubleshooting and modifying methods and procedures as necessary, routine equipment maintenance, and performing other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be receptive and responsive to general supervision, with the expectation that the candidate will have increased independence as they gain continued growth in skills and experience
• Communicate effectively with peers and supervisors, foster teamwork and contribute to collaborative efforts.
• Work under supervision to design, execute, analyze, interpret and troubleshoot scientific experiments and/or equipment issues affecting data quality and productivity
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
• Document experiments and data in lab notebooks
• Demonstrate proactivity and critical thinking skills
• Execute weekly cell-based assays, including data analysis and report summary
• May assist in designing and executing experiments in support of key secondary studies, including selection of drug-resistant dengue viruses and target identification of promising antiviral compounds
• Support routine lab duties (such as, restocking consumables, aliquoting reagents and equipment maintenance)
• Prepare media and reagents and maintain cultures of several mammalian cell lines

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in mammalian cell culture require
• Good oral and written communications skills
• Letter of recommendation and/or at least one professional reference is required
• Bachelor or Master of Science in biology, biochemistry, microbiology or related field
• Requires 0 years of experience for the Research Technician Level; 1-3 years of experience for the Research Assistant I level
• Experience working with viruses and/or handling BSL2-level pathogens is a plus
• Experience with cell-based compound screening assays using methods such as imaging, luminescence, fluorescence and absorbance in high-density formats is preferred
• Experience with database interface and data analysis software is preferred (ie Excel, Prism, GeneData)
• Ability to work both independently as well as in a team matrix, under supervision
• Attention to detail, troubleshooting capability and flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced environment

Please note this position works with the Dengue virus. For safety purposes, the selected candidate will be required to get a baseline titer as a condition of employment following their acceptance of an offer to determine whether the individual has been previously infected. If the results are positive, the candidate may rescind their acceptance or choose to consult with an appropriate medical provider and sign a waiver to begin employment in this role.

COMPENSATION

The expected hiring range for this multi-level position is $18.13/hr to $30.04/hr, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• 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.
• Free, on-site parking.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members.

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.