RESEARCH ASSISTANT I

Sanford Burnham Prebys; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 38,215 - 46,708; Full time

Job summary

Sanford Burnham Prebys is seeking a Research Assistant in San Diego to support drug discovery activities. The role involves tissue culture operations, compound management, and assay development under experienced scientists' guidance.

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree in a biological science and have relevant internship experience. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while gaining hands-on experience in the drug discovery pipeline.

This onsite position offers an annual salary starting at $42,462. Apply for a chance to work at the forefront of scientific research.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year of directly related experience preferred.
• Previous experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in assay development and high-throughput screening.
• Operate specialized lab equipment and troubleshoot problems.
• Accurately analyze data using state-of-the-art software.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Time-management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological science

Tools

Automated multi-well plate readers

GraphPad Prism

CBIS

Job description

Position Summary:

The Center for Therapeutics Discovery at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is seeking Research Assistants to support a broad range of critical drug discovery activities. In this role, you will contribute to tissue culture operations, compound management, and assay development. Under the guidance of experienced scientists, you will learn to design and optimize novel cell‑based, biochemical, and biophysical assays, miniaturize them into 384‑ and 1536‑well formats, and implement them on state‑of‑the‑art automated robotic platforms. You will work closely with your supervisor and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the Center.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across the drug discovery pipeline, receive mentorship from industry‑trained professionals in an academic environment, and develop the technical and analytical skills expected in leading pharmaceutical organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists in assay development (biochemical, biophysical, and cell‑based assays) and high‑throughput screening for projects in the teams’ portfolios.
• Operates specialized equipment requiring a moderate degree of skill and is able to troubleshoot straightforward problems.
• Performs a variety of laboratory tasks, including preparing samples, accurately analyzing data using state‑of‑the‑art software (e.g. CBIS, Prism), and providing basic data interpretations.
• Sets up and operates standard lab equipment.
• Contributes to the completion of diverse tasks within laboratory procedures, practices and protocols.
• Maintains multiple mammalian cell lines simultaneously.
• Troubleshoots and modifies SOPs as needed with minimal input from supervisor.
• Accurately documents and records all experiments in lab notebooks and electronic data systems.
• Performs all other related duties and tasks as required or assigned.
• Follows all appropriate safety protocols and takes an active role in the lab safety culture.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a biological science or a related field and 0‑1 year of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that has provided comparable knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Previous experience and knowledge of mammalian cell culture or standard molecular biology or protein analysis techniques is required.
• Experience with automated multi‑well plate readers and a range of liquid handling instruments is a plus.
• Experience with acquisition and analysis of multi‑parametric quantitative experimental data is a plus.
• Previous experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting is preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Be a quick learner with meticulous attention to detail.
• Be able to gain and apply technical knowledge and skills to develop novel cell‑based and biochemical assays and convert them to 384‑well/1536‑well formats using automated liquid handlers and plate readers.
• Able to analyze and resolve commonly encountered issues.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects in a rapidly changing, deadline‑driven environment.
• Proven presentation, verbal and written communication skills.
• Accurately documents own experiments in lab notebook (including tables, graphs, etc.).
• Be responsible and have strong time‑management skills.
• Possess strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly MS Excel, PowerPoint) and other state‑of‑the‑art analysis software (GraphPad Prism).
• Embody the Institute’s core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct: No, this position does not have any formal supervisory responsibilities.
• Indirect: none.

Work Location:

This is an onsite position; candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego. Out-of-state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Compensation:

The expected hiring range for this position is $42,462 annually, commensurate with relevant experience.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.