RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Dik Lab

Scripps Research; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,474 - 34,522; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer contributed retirement plan

Full suite of health and welfare plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Competitive vacation and sick leave policies

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Scripps Research in San Diego, CA is seeking a Research Assistant I to join their early-stage discovery research team. The role involves validating drug candidates from DNA-Encoded Library screening, developing assays, and collaborating within multidisciplinary project teams.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with experience in molecular biology and a strong motivation to contribute to scientific goals. The position includes comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
• 1-3 years of experience required; Master’s degree with 0-2 years is acceptable.
• Highly motivated, creative, and able to collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Validate and characterize hit compounds from DEL screening.
• Develop and optimize biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Produce and purify proteins for screening.

Skills

Molecular biology

DNA isolation and purification

Protein purification techniques

Cell culture

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in biochemistry or related area

Tools

Graphing programs

HPLC

LC-MS

Job description

POSITION TITLE

Research Assistant I

Position Summary

The successful candidate will join the early-stage discovery research team at Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and contribute to both drug discovery and protein engineering programs. A major responsibility will be validating potential drug candidates ("hit compounds") that emerge from DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) screening campaigns across multiple therapeutic areas.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Validate and characterize hit compounds identified through DEL screening.
• Develop, optimize, and perform biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Produce and purify proteins for screening and characterization studies.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to advance discovery programs.
• Document findings and communicate results effectively.
• Assist in training colleagues and sharing technical expertise when needed.
• Work under supervision to design, execute, analyze, interpret and troubleshoot scientific experiments in biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Accurately maintain written reports and present results in an organized and timely manner to research team.
• Communicate effectively with peers and supervisors, foster teamwork and contribute to collaborative efforts.
• Strong commitment to quality in research and presentation.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in 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.
• Bachelor’s Degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or related area.
• Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
• Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues.
• Able to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific discourse.

Desired Qualifications

• Skills in molecular biology including DNA isolation and purification, plasmid design, and cloning are required.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, protein expression platforms (i.e. HEK, CHO, or coli), and an understanding of protein purification techniques is preferred.
• Additional experience in HPLC and/or LC-MS is advantageous, but not required.
• Willingness to learn and perform animal work at a later stage for therapeutic evaluation.
• Experience using graphing programs such as Prism and Excel is important.
• Outstanding organizational skills and experience in preparing and presenting scientific data is important.

Physical Requirements

• This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $20.67 to $25.06 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

Comprehensive Benefits Include

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) using your own pre or post-tax dollars.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site parking.

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.