Plant Research Assistant I: Growth & Genomics

Salk Institute for Biological Studies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Patient advocacy services

Transit/parking program

Job summary

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is seeking a Research Assistant I to support the Harnessing Plants Initiative in San Diego. You will culture and manage plants, assist with molecular biology work, and help maintain rigorous sample tracking across a large plant panel.

The role emphasizes sterile technique, careful data recording and collaboration with scientists. This temporary position offers hands-on lab responsibilities and opportunities to contribute to crop biology research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related discipline required; a minimum of 2 years in a scientific role if degree is in a different field.
• Computer skills: Microsoft Office.
• Fundamental skills in molecular biology and plant biology.
• Molecular biology experience preferred.
• RNAseq experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Grow soybean and other plants in growth chambers, greenhouses and on agar plates; handle seed sterilization, stratification, soil prep, planting, watering and fertilization.
• Prepare sterile growth media, pour agar plates and plate seeds using sterile technique.
• Harvest roots and tissues; flash freeze samples in liquid nitrogen; label, track and store at -80 °C.
• Scan plates and upload images with metadata including genotype and treatment.
• Organize seed stocks; manage seed harvesting, cleaning, packaging and storage.
• Monitor reagent stocks and place orders to avoid delays.
• Maintain growth chamber and greenhouse conditions; report equipment issues.
• Maintain inventories of freezers and plant rooms; record data in notebooks and databases.
• Assist with DNA extraction, PCR, genotyping and sequencing library prep as needed.
• Follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively across teams.

Skills

Plant growth

Sterile technique

Sample labeling

Data management

Imaging

PCR

Genotyping

Microscopy

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline

Tools

DNA extraction

PCR

Genotyping

Sequencing libraries

Gel electrophoresis

Job description

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is seeking a Research Assistant I to support the Harnessing Plants Initiative in San Diego. You will culture and manage plants, assist with molecular biology work, and help maintain rigorous sample tracking across a large plant panel.

The role emphasizes sterile technique, careful data recording and collaboration with scientists. This temporary position offers hands-on lab responsibilities and opportunities to contribute to crop biology research.