Career Center

This position provides advanced technical skills and intellectual expertise to the ongoing research programs of the laboratory. This role is intended to expand the scope and impact (including the funding portfolio) of the existing research programs. The incumbent is expected to operate with a high level of independence with general supervision by the Principal Investigator. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, performing theoretical and experimental investigations on the neurobiology of social interactions at molecular, genetic, circuitry, physiological, and behavioral levels, providing technical guidance to other scientists in the laboratory, assisting the principal investigator in writing grant applications and manuscripts and establishing technical protocols for new types of experiments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts experiments aligned with the lab's research programs.
• Identifies important questions, designs, and executes experiments, and discusses outcomes with the PI.
• Troubleshoots and optimizes experiments independently with expert consultation and literature review.
• Manages protocols and data for peer-review and compliance.
• Expands research in line with existing goals.
• Under the guidance of the PI, identifies funding sources and strengthens grant applications.
• Presents results at a seminar series, symposium, and other relevant events inside and outside of the institute.
• Under the guidance of the PI contributes to research manuscripts.
• On a case-by-case basis, provides technical advice to research assistants and students who need guidance for acquiring basic laboratory skills and knowledge.
• Develops and shares lab protocols.
• Ensures lab safety and compliance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD or MD required and typically at least three years of related post PhD/MD research experience or equivalent

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community - Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone’s ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused, and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success, but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

The expected pay range for this position is $67,500 to $80,000 per annum. 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently 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
• Occasionally required to talk or hear
• Occasionally exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• 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 2 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Color vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Additional remarks regarding work environment: will be in proximity to insects (fruit flies)
• Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used:  high-power lasers

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.

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

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)