Research Assistant I Laboratory of Dr. Wolfgang Busch

The Research Assistant I will play a critical operational role in supporting activities within the Harnessing Plants Initiative. Primary responsibilities include plant cultivation transformation tissue harvesting experimental execution data collection phenotyping and analysis across a range of plant species. The role also involves sample preparation and general experimental support including standard procedures in molecular biology biochemistry and plant biology.

The Research Assistant I will work closely with scientists in the laboratory to support ongoing research efforts within the Harnessing Plants Initiative.

This position requires strong experimental skills including sterile technique molecular cloning DNA and RNA preparation gel electrophoresis genotyping PCR root sectioning and microscopy. It requires careful attention to detail and the ability to effectively balance research support responsibilities within a collaborative scientific environment.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that valuesall members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline professional acumen and unique life experiences fostering innovation and a sense of belonging. Together we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine the Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice intimate by nature and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salks vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. Fromvisionary leadersto dedicatedadministratorsand brilliantfaculty members the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Perform duties to support experiments on a variety of plant species including planting growth maintenance transformation harvest genotyping and other required analyses
• Grow plants from seed and provide routine plant care including soil and media preparation watering fertilization weeding and harvesting
• Assist in harvesting and preparing plant tissue for downstream analyses
• Conduct analyses such as plant observations microscopy nucleic acid extractions genotyping expression analysis etc.
• Support seed stock organization tracking and storage
• Participate in experiments including maintaining experimental processes data collection data input data analysis and adherence to protocols
• Assist with ordering supplies inventory management and general laboratory organization
• Accurately follow written and verbal instructions and protocols
• Make and document detailed observations and exercise sound judgement in task execution
• Communicate effectively with staff at all levels and across teams
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management

What we Require

• No professional experience required.
• Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. A minimum of 2 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelors degree in a different discipline.
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office
• Fundamental skills in molecular biology and plant and or/fungal biology
• Other skills (preferred):
• Hairy root culture experience
• Plant transformation experience

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $18.00-$21.00 hourly.Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position the qualifications of the selected candidate departmental budget availability internal equity geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits including medical dental vision retirement paid time off tuition reimbursement patient advocacy services and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community both scientists and administrators worked together to define values that we believe support Salks pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym I CARE provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students employees applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include but not limited to such hairstyles as braids and twists) color religion religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices) national origin ancestry citizenship physical or mental disability medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics) genetic information marital status age sex (including pregnancy childbirth breastfeeding or related medical conditions) reproductive health decision making gender gender identity gender expression sexual orientation veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran veteran of the Vietnam era other covered veteran status) political affiliation and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has or is perceived to have any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.

Required Experience:

Junior IC