RESEARCH ASSISTANT III - JIN LAB - Neuroscience

The Scripps Research Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,304 - 84,375; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Health and welfare plans

Employer contributed retirement plan (

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, invites applications for a Research Assistant III to join the Jin lab. The role involves supporting complex research projects under the PI, training staff, and ensuring day-to-day lab operations and safety.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant science, with 5 years of experience (3+ with a master’s) and are ready to work in a fast-paced research environment, supporting data analysis and experimental design.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience; a master's typically requires 3+ years.

Responsibilities

• Perform non-routine procedures and resolve complex problems requiring evaluation of intangible variables; develop methods and evaluation criteria; perform complex interpretations and analyses; master specialized lab techniques; may plan and conduct a large project or substantial portion of a diverse project.
• Operate sophisticated scientific lab equipment and perform complex procedures with accuracy.
• In supervisory capacity, plan, organize, and direct assigned projects; supervise a small staff of professional-level employees.
• Perform complex or novel assignments requiring development of new or improved techniques and procedures; demonstrate initiative, creativity, and problem-solving to advance scientific goals.
• Facilitate mouse colony management, performing molecular biology and library preparation.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline

Equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience

Job description

Overview

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked for its impact on innovation. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses multiple research departments, Nobel laureates, and leading training programs. This description summarizes the opportunity to join our transformative team.

Position Title: Research Assistant III

Position Summary

The Jin lab in the Dorris Neuroscience Center at Scripps Research seeks an energetic, bright, and highly motivated individual with backgrounds in chemistry, biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and bioengineering are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will work directly with the principal investigator and collaborate with lab members to advance the project, gaining bench-side and analytical experience in a fast-paced environment. The role includes overseeing day-to-day lab operations, space allocation, equipment maintenance, and overall lab safety, while handling additional duties as they arise.

The candidate will plan and conduct complex or novel research projects, develop new or improved techniques and evaluation criteria, perform thorough data analysis and complex interpretations, assist in designing experiments, operate sophisticated lab equipment, and may supervise or train a small staff of professional-level employees.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform non-routine procedures and resolve complex problems requiring evaluation of intangible variables; develop methods and evaluation criteria; perform complex interpretations and analyses; master specialized lab techniques; may plan and conduct a large project or substantial portion of a diverse project.
• Operate sophisticated scientific lab equipment and perform complex procedures with accuracy.
• In supervisory capacity, plan, organize, and direct assigned projects; supervise a small staff of professional-level employees.
• Perform complex or novel assignments requiring development of new or improved techniques and procedures; demonstrate initiative, creativity, and problem-solving to advance scientific goals.
• Facilitate mouse colony management, performing molecular biology and library preparation.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience with comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Candidates with a master's degree typically require 3+ years of experience.

Physical Requirements

This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Details of physical requirements will be discussed during the interview process.

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,304 - $84,375 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

Comprehensive Benefits Include

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan with the option to contribute to a 403(b); depending on eligibility, no employee contribution is required.
• Full suite of health and welfare plans including multiple medical options (with an HSA option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP, and more; access to Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 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 responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required and are subject to change due to business needs. Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict with or modify 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.

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.