RESEARCH ASSISTANT II - Jin Lab

Scripps Research; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Health and welfare plans

On-site parking

Vacation & sick leave

Job summary

Scripps Research in La Jolla, CA, seeks a Research Assistant II to support studies using genomic tools in brain development and neurodevelopmental disease research. You will perform mouse handling, molecular biology, genomics, cell culture, and single-cell sequencing workflows, working independently and with a team to generate high-quality data.

The role emphasizes CRISPR perturbation experiments, tissue collection, and sequencing-related analyses, with a focus on accurate record-keeping and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent
• 3-5 years’ experience; master’s with 2+ years also acceptable
• Experience with mouse handling, colony management, tissue collection or related animal research procedures
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, or sequencing-related samples
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, sterile technique, transfection or viral transduction
• Familiarity with genomics or single-cell sequencing workflows preferred
• Ability to follow detailed protocols, maintain organized records, and track samples and reagents
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and troubleshoot routine issues
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Willingness to work with mouse models and comply with biosafety requirements

Responsibilities

• Perform lab work involving mouse handling, molecular biology, genomics, and cell culture.
• Assist with CRISPR-based perturbation experiments and sequencing-related analyses.
• Handle mouse colony management, tissue collection, and experimental preparation.
• Conduct genotyping, dissection, and brain sample preparation for molecular analysis.
• Carry out DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and sequencing prep.
• Support single-cell genomics workflows, including nuclei/cell prep and QC.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures with sterile technique and transfection/transduction support.
• Prepare and validate reagents such as plasmids, oligos, and cell culture media.
• Record procedures and results in notebooks and databases.
• Troubleshoot routine issues and maintain lab equipment and supplies.

Skills

Mouse handling

Genomics

Cell culture

Single-cell sequencing

CRISPR workflows

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree with 2+ years experience

Tools

PCR/qPCR equipment

Gel electrophoresis

Cloning

Sequencing preparation

Job description

About Us

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 II

Position Summary

The Research Assistant II will support studies using genomic tools to investigate tissue development and homeostasis. This position will involve mouse handling, molecular biology, genomics, cell culture, and single-cell sequencing-related workflows. The successful candidate will work both independently and collaboratively to perform experiments, maintain accurate records, troubleshoot protocols, and help generate high-quality data for ongoing research projects.

Responsibilities And Duties

• Perform laboratory work involving mouse handling, molecular biology, genomics, and cell culture to support ongoing studies of brain development and neurodevelopmental disease mechanisms.
• Assist with CRISPR-based perturbation experiments, including preparation of reagents, viral/vector-related workflows, sample collection, and downstream genomic analysis.
• Handle and monitor mice used in research studies, including basic husbandry coordination, tissue collection, and experimental preparation.
• Perform mouse-related procedures such as colony tracking, genotyping sample collection, tissue dissection, and preparation of brain samples for molecular analysis.
• Carry out molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and preparation of sequencing-related materials.
• Assist with single-cell genomics workflows, including nuclei or cell preparation, quality control, library preparation support, and sample submission for sequencing.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using sterile technique, including passaging, transfection or transduction support, and monitoring cell health.
• Prepare, organize, and validate experimental reagents such as plasmids, oligos, guide RNA libraries, buffers, and cell culture media.
• Record experimental procedures, sample information, and results accurately in laboratory notebooks and shared databases.
• Analyze and summarize basic experimental results, including genotyping outcomes, QC metrics, and molecular assay results.
• Troubleshoot routine experimental issues related to sample quality, molecular assays, sequencing preparation, or cell culture conditions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, reagent inventories, and shared workspaces to ensure efficient day-to-day lab operations.
• Coordinate with lab members on experimental timelines, animal use, sequencing submissions, and sample tracking.
• Follow institutional biosafety, animal research, and laboratory compliance policies, including proper documentation and training requirements.

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 3-5 years’ experience. Candidates possessing a master’s degree, 2+ years’ experience required.
• Prior experience with mouse handling, mouse colony management, tissue collection, genotyping, or related animal research procedures.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, or preparation of sequencing-related samples.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, sterile technique, cell passaging, transfection, viral transduction, or cell-based assays.
• Familiarity with genomics or single-cell sequencing workflows is preferred.
• Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols, maintain organized records, and accurately track samples and reagents.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, troubleshoot routine experimental issues, and adapt standard procedures when needed.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Willingness to work with mouse models and comply with institutional animal research, biosafety, and laboratory safety requirements.

Additional Information

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Physical Requirments

• 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 $70,304 to $77,000 per year, 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.