Antiviral Drug Discovery Research Assistant

The Scripps Research Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer contributed retirement plan

Health and welfare plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation and sick leave

Free on-site parking

Job summary

The Chanda Lab at The Scripps Research Institute is seeking a Research Assistant II to support antiviral drug and immune modulator discovery programs. You will work in a team to execute key high-throughput assays, develop new in vitro assays, and maintain virus stocks and cell culture lines.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in biology or related field, 3–5 years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related field.
• Requires 3-5 years' experience; master's degree with 2+ years is acceptable.
• Experience with viruses: stock generation, infectious titers, and in vitro antiviral assays preferred.
• Experience with cell-based and biochemical assays such as high-content imaging, luminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance.
• Excel and Prism data analysis experience preferred.
• Automated liquid handling instruments are a plus.
• Gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR, NextGen sequencing) is a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Troubleshooting and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform human primary cell and cell line culture; prepare media and reagents.
• Develop in vitro assays for BSL2-level viruses for drug discovery workflows.
• Conduct in vivo studies of viral infection to evaluate lead compounds.
• Execute high-throughput assays for screening campaigns.
• Data analysis and lab notebook documentation.
• Work under minimal supervision; adapt standard methods as needed.
• Provide interpretation of results; troubleshoot procedures.
• Handle compounds and manage plate inventory.
• Assist in designing experiments within the research plan.

Skills

Cell culture

In vitro assays

High-content imaging

Data analysis

Oral and written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/biochemistry/microbiology or related field

Tools

Excel

Prism

Automated liquid handling instruments

Job description

The Chanda Lab at The Scripps Research Institute is seeking a Research Assistant II to support antiviral drug and immune modulator discovery programs. You will work in a team to execute key high-throughput assays, develop new in vitro assays, and maintain virus stocks and cell culture lines.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in biology or related field, 3–5 years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills.