RESEARCH ASSISTANT II - Pharmacology

Scripps Research Translational Institute; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer contributed retirement plan

Health and welfare plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid time off

Job summary

The Scripps Research Institute seeks a Research Assistant II to support pharmacology in drug discovery. You will develop LC-MS assays for NMEs, support ADME/PK analyses, and assist in expanding internal bioanalytical capabilities across multiple modalities including small molecules and biologics.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biochemistry and 3–5 years of relevant experience, with strong LC-MS skills and data documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related scientific field.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience; master’s degree with 2+ years also acceptable.
• Experience in biochemistry, pharmacology and in a bioanalytical lab.
• Strong LC/MS operation expertise and familiarity with SCIEX instrumentation preferred.
• Hands-on experience developing LC-MS/MS assays for small molecules and metabolites.
• Proficient in sample preparation techniques including SPE and LLE.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with collaborative cross-functional teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Prepare biological samples from various matrices and support bioanalytical method development.
• Develop and optimize LC-MS methods for quantitative analysis of NMEs.
• Maintain LC-MS instrumentation and analytical methods; troubleshoot as needed.
• Analyze data and maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and databases.
• Prepare bioanalytical reports and present results to cross-functional teams.
• Conduct QC reviews of PK and ADME reports from CROs.

Skills

LC-MS

SPE

LLE

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry

Tools

SCIEX mass spectrometry

Excel

GraphPad Prism

Microsoft Word

Job description

Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Calibr-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. 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 OVERVIEW:

The Calibr Bioanalytical team is seeking a highly motivated individual to support pharmacology in our drug discovery efforts. Under this role, the ideal candidate will work to develop LC-MS assays for novel compounds to support key ADME and pharmacokinetic assays and assist in developing new ADME assays to increase internal bioanalytical capabilities. The individual would work in support of multiple drug discovery programs that encompass multiple modalities such as small molecule, peptide, protein, and antibody therapeutics.

ESSENTIAL RESPOSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Prepare biological samples from various matrices, including tissue homogenization, and support bioanalytical method development.
• Develop and optimize LC-MS methods for the quantitative analysis of new molecular entities (NMEs) in support of drug discovery programs.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of LC-MS instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Analyze experimental data and maintain accurate, complete laboratory notebook documentation.
• Manage laboratory databases and perform routine laboratory maintenance to ensure efficient operations.
• Prepare bioanalytical reports and present experimental results to cross-functional research teams.
• Conduct quality control (QC) reviews of pharmacokinetic (PK) and ADME reports generated by external contract research organizations (CROs).
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail, effective troubleshooting skills, and the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced research environment.
• Additional essential functions and responsibilities for this position will be discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry or 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.

Experience in biochemistry, pharmacology, 1-3 years of experience in a bioanalytical laboratory.

• Strong operational expertise in LC/MS, with familiarity with SCIEX mass spectrometry instrumentation preferred.
• Hands-on experience developing LC-MS/MS assays for the quantitation of small molecules and the identification of metabolites in a variety of biological matrices.
• Experienced in sample preparation techniques, including solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE).
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective troubleshooting abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and successfully execute multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a collab orative approach to cross-functional teamwork.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, GraphPad Prism, and other data analysis and documentation software.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and technical writing skills, with a commitment to maintaining accurate laboratory records and reports.

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) 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.

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.