Salk Institute for Biological Studies Hiring for Research Assistant I – Laboratory of Genetics, Dr Dmitry Lyumkis at La Jolla, CA Full Time

The Research Assistant I is responsible for cell biology and microscopy research in support of the Principal Investigator’s (PI) studies. Duties involve cell culture work with a range of cellular systems, viral infections, fluorescence microscopy, and sample preparation for electron microscopy (EM) studies. Duties may include performing advanced molecular biology and cell biology for mammalian cell culture, performing transfection, and viral transduction based on study design, fluorescent labeling, as well as cell imaging using the advanced resources in the Biophotonics Core Facility at the Salk Institute, in support of research projects aimed at addressing questions pertaining to in situ structural biology. The candidate will assist a postdoctoral associate with experimental design and direction and may also be involved in hiring new staff, supervising and assisting with training of junior lab staff (junior technicians, students, and volunteers), as necessary.  Incumbent is also responsible for assisting with maintaining lab materials including plasmid DNA, DNA and custom primer data, virus stocks, etc., and will be working with collaborators to achieve specific research goals.

GENERAL SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

Works on problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.  Exercises judgement within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.  May determine methods and procedures on new assignments.  May provide supervision, training, and guidance to laboratory personnel.  Work is done under periodic supervision.

The candidate will be working directly with a postdoctoral associate and will be a core member of an interdisciplinary team of researchers working to develop projects for focused ion beam milling coupled to cryo-electron tomography. Projects are centered around in situ visualization and analysis of the structures of viral and macromolecular assemblies within the native context of the cell. The overarching projects utilize a variety of tools, including fluorescence microcopy, resin embedding, cryo-widefield light microscopy, image analysis to correlate fluorescent and scanning electron microscope (SEM)/FIB data, etc., to address key questions in structural cell biology. The candidate will also interface directly with staff at the Salk Advanced Biophotonics Imaging facility to integrate techniques for resin-embedding, focused-ion beam milling, and imaging into workflows for in situ structural biology.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(90%) Research Support

• Demonstrated knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology and imaging protocols.
• Cultivate, and maintain mammalian cell lines, including primary and immortalized cells, under sterile conditions in tissue culture environment.
• Prepare and characterize cells for downstream applications, such as transfection, transduction, and drug treatments.
• Perform imaging experiments using fluorescence microscopy techniques, including live cell imaging and immunofluorescence staining.
• Analyze and quantify imaging data using image processing and analysis software, such as ImageJ or Imaris.
• Contribute to experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Prepare cellular samples for electron microscopy studies.
• Optimize sample preparation and imaging conditions to achieve high-quality and high-resolution images on the transmission electron microscope.
• Contribute to sample preparation and optimization for correlative light and electron microscopy.
• Vitrification of cells cultured on EM grids or sapphire slides using plunge-freezing and / or high-pressure-freezing techniques.
• Operate available fluorescence microscopes, including a cryo-widefield light microscope, Zeiss 880 Airyscan point-scanning confocal microscope with Linkam cryo-stage.
• Perform various techniques in molecular biology such as: DNA extraction and analysis, western blotting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.

(10%) Lab Management and Support

• Stocking, ordering, maintaining, and keeping track of resources, chemicals, and supplies; assists with maintaining inventory.
• Assisting with performing regular maintenance and calibration of equipment; ensuring equipment is operational; assisting with instrument repairs when necessary.
• Assisting with laboratory cleanups
• Training of incoming people, as appropriate
• Communication with vendors and Salk personnel, operational and procedural
• Trains staff on specific cell biology and related techniques. Trains laboratory personnel in proper use of laboratory equipment and equipment maintenance. Assists in hiring process of new staff.
• Maintains logbooks for major equipment (e.g. microscopes, tissue culture)
• Writes laboratory protocols for experiments and ensures their compliance within the laboratory.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• No professional experience required. 

Preferred:

• 1-2 years of experience in a lab with a cell or molecular biology background
• Experience with confocal microscopy and/or super-resolution microscopy
• Some degree of experience in image analysis using different software, such as ImageJ and/or Imaris.
• Basic EM sample preparation

EDUCATION

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or chemical sciences. A minimum of 2 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelor’s degree in a different discipline.

Preferred:

• Specific interests and advanced skills in cell biology methods

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure alignment on project goals, and timelines.
• Theoretical and hands on knowledge of molecular and cell biology techniques
• Theoretical and hands on knowledge of tissue culture techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize experimental work.
• Ability to perform complex experiments and techniques with high levels of reliability and accuracy within time constraints.
• Ability to design experiments and debug protocols, with help from supervisor.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment.
• Highly organized, effective at multitasking, adept at juggling changing priorities and able to prioritize.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with personnel at all levels.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment.

Preferred:

• Experience with live cell imaging using confocal microscopes.
• Experience with correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM)
• Experience with sample preparation for EM and cryo-EM / cryo-ET studies
• Experience with image analysis software

Salary Range for this position is $18.03 to $21.00/hourly.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Must be willing to work an adjusted schedule to support research needs.
• Successful completion of the Institute’s background investigation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Occasionally required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Continually required to talk or hear
• Occasionally required to taste or smell
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Occasional work near moving mechanical parts
• Occasional work in high, precarious places
• Occasional work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions
• Occasional exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• Occasional exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 10 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus