Research Assistant II/III

About Us:
The Chanda Lab has recently moved to The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, California), which is considered the most influential institution in the world for its innovation in science and medicine. Scientists in the institute’s five academic research departments expand basic knowledge and translate their findings into cutting-edge therapies. Our group has joined the Immunology and Microbiology Department, where we will continue to focus on the molecular mechanisms of virus-host interactions using advanced technologies such as CRISPR, RNAi, NGS, proteomics, chemical biology, and super-resolution microscopy, among others. Through our Calibr arm, we have undertaken a robust drug-discovery program. The lab is specifically seeking to transform molecular discoveries to develop next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of viral infections, cancer and autoimmune disease. Our team’s transformative research and the unique environment of the Scripps will cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders.

Position Overview:
The Chanda Lab at Calibr is seeking a highly motivated individual to support antiviral drug and immune modulator discovery programs. Under this role, the ideal candidate will work in a team environment to support the execution of key high-throughput assays, develop new in vitro assays, and maintain virus stocks and cell culture lines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform general lab duties
• Human primary cell and cell line culture, preparation of media and reagents
• Compound handling and plate inventory
• Develop_ in vitro_ assays for BSL2-level viruses to enable drug discovery flowcharts
• Execute high-throughput assays against for screening campaigns
• Data analysis and lab notebook documentation
• The position requires great attention to detail, dexterity of the hands, troubleshooting capability and flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced environment

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related field
• Minimum 3 years laboratory experience
• Experience in working with viruses: stock generation, determining infectious titers, setting up in vitro antiviral assays are preferred
• Experience with cell-based and biochemical assays using methods such as high-content imaging, luminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance are required
• Experience with database interface and data analysis using Excel and Prism is preferred
• Experience with automated liquid handling instruments is a plus
• Experience with gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR, NextGen sequencing, etc.) is a plus
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Letter of recommendation and/or at least one professional reference is required
• Authorized to work in the US

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

EEO Statement:
Scripps is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

COVID-19 update:
The safety and well-being of our candidates, our people and their families continues to be a top priority. Until restrictions change, interviews will be conducted virtually.

Note:
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities.

Job Type: Full-time