RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Irvine Lab

Scripps Research Translational Institute; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Health and welfare plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation and sick leave

On-site parking

Job summary

Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, CA is seeking a Research Assistant I to support vaccine research and development under supervision. The role provides hands-on lab experience in immuno-engineering projects and collaboration with a dynamic team.

Responsibilities include mouse studies under supervision, protein- and RNA-based vaccine work, mammalian cell culture, ELISAs, and assisting with supplies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology-related field.
• 1–3 years experience; Master’s degree with 0–2 years acceptable.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support mouse studies under supervision, including injections, imaging, necropsies and sample prep.
• Assist with protein- and RNA-based vaccine testing and development.
• Perform standard lab techniques: mammalian cell culture, antibody and cytokine ELISAs.
• Assist with ordering and receiving project supplies and attend lab meetings.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Animal handling

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/chemical biology/cell biology/immunology

Job description

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant I

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Irvine Lab at Scripps Research is currently recruiting a dynamic, passionate professional with a strong interest in advancing vaccine research and development. The Research Assistant I will work under supervision of a senior lab member and provide technical assistance with immuno-engineering projects.

RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES:

• Support studies in mouse models under supervision, including animal handling, injections, non-invasive imaging, necropsies, and preparation of flow cytometry samples.
• Help with preparation and testing of protein- and RNA-based vaccines.
• Independently conduct a wide variety of standard laboratory techniques/procedures, including mammalian cell culture, antibody, and cytokine ELISAs.
• Help ordering and receiving project-specific supplies.
• Attend lab meetings and journal club.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree inbiology or chemical biology, cell biology, immunology 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.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Comfort and confidence working directly with animals.
• Meticulous attention to detail with strong documentation practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot and modify procedures, interpreting and performing initial analysis of results.
• Solid understanding of, and adherence to, safety protocols to maintain a secure work environment.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• 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
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.