SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATE

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in San Diego invites applications for a Scientific Associate within the Feng Laboratory to join a dynamic team focused on membrane proteins and ion channels. The role involves basic molecular techniques, cloning, real-time PCR, cell-based transfections, and protein expression/purification, in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in biological sciences or related fields with at least five years of relevant experience, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science, biochemistry, biophysics or a related field or equivalent education/experience.
• At least five years of directly related experience.
• Experience with cloning, DNA and protein work.

Responsibilities

• Oversees equipment installation and maintenance.
• Trains and mentors new lab personnel.
• Performs experiments as directed by the Principal Investigator and post‑docs.
• Keeps written records of experiments and data organization.
• Provides data interpretation and initial analysis of results.

Skills

Real-time PCR

Cell transfection

Virus packaging

Protein expression & purification

Mammalian cell culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological science, biochemistry, biophysics or related field

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATE

Salary Range: $66,632.00 To $83,283.72 Annually

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Summary: The Feng Laboratory at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute invites applications for a dynamic and passionate research assistant to join our team. We are dedicated to unraveling the structural and functional mechanisms of various disease-related membrane proteins and protein complexes, with a focus on ion channels.

We are seeking a highly self‑motivated individual with a background in biochemistry and molecular biology. Experience in protein purification, mouse work, or cryo‑EM data processing is advantageous. The Research Assistant will work in a highly dynamic and fast‑paced environment to perform basic molecular techniques such as cloning, DNA and protein works. Additionally, the candidate Research Assistant will also be involved in performing real time PCR, cell‑based cDNA transfections, virus packaging, protein expression and purification, maintenance of mammalian cell lines, and other related duties and tasks as required or assigned.

Under specific direction, the RA will contribute to the completion of diverse tasks within laboratory procedures, practices and protocols.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees equipment installation and maintenance
• Orders and stocking of lab supplies
• Maintains various reagent collections, and inventories
• Trains and mentors new lab personnel
• Performs experiments as determined by the Principal Investigator and post‑docs
• Keeps written record of experiments and data organization
• Provides data interpretation and initial analysis of results
• Operates specialized equipment and troubleshoot problems

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in biological science, biochemistry, biophysics or a related field OR equivalent education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.

At least five year directly related experience required.

Other Requirements and/or Specifications:

• Ability to learn new research assays and process obtained data
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Must be responsible, organized, and a problem solver
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a rapidly changing, deadline‑driven environment and deliver results in a timely manner
• Strong analytical, time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal/written communication and skills
• Embody the Institute’s core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Work Location: This is an onsite position; candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego. Out-of-state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Compensation: The expected hiring rate for this position is $66,632 - $83,283.72/annually commensurate with experience.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Benefits Team at [phone] or via e‑mail at [e-mail]