Career Center

The Research Assistant I position will work both independently and collaboratively as part of a focused group of researchers that studies how epigenetic regulation and the tumor microenvironment contribute to pancreatic cancer progression and therapeutic responses.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with In Vivo Tumor Biology and colony maintenance including genotyping, animal husbandry, and monitoring.
• Performs cellular and molecular biology techniques which can include Cell Culture, flow cytometry, CRISPR/Cas9 screening, etc.
• Analyzes and interprets scientific data using a variety of techniques including Ultrasound analysis, Western blot, and DNA and RNA expression.
• Performs related laboratory support and maintenance such as assisting with preparing standard solutions, stocking and weekly inventory, and organizing incoming lab supplies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• No professional experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. Bachelor's degrees in a different discipline and a minimum of 2 years of experience in a scientific role will be considered in lieu.
• Computer skills required:
  • Microsoft Office
• Other skills required:
  • Experience performing molecular biology techniques and RNA work.
  • Hands on experience working with mice.
• Prior experience working with mouse tumor models preferred.
• Experience analyzing and presenting scientific data preferred.

 COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

The salary range for this position is $18.03-$21.00 an hour

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Occasionally required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Occasionally required to talk or hear
• Occasionally required to taste or smell
• Occasionally exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)

• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions
• Occasionally exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• Occasionally 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  quiet
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 10 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All individuals who accept a position with the Salk Institute must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment, must successfully complete the Institute’s background investigation and must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)