RESEARCH ASSISTANT III-Zhu Lab
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POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant III
POSITION SUMMARY:
Scripps Research is currently seeking a Research Assistant III. The Zhu Lab is recruiting an experienced and responsible research staff member to be integrated into a team environment to support vaccine development for viral pathogens (HIV, HCV, Ebola, Marburg, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, RSV, Flu, and Zika) as well as non-viral pathogens (Malaria and Tuberculosis). This is a full-time position with standard Scripps Research health insurance and benefits.
The Zhu laboratory is working on antibody discovery and vaccine development for HIV, HCV, Ebola, Marburg, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, RSV, Flu, Zika, and other important viral pathogens. The experimental methods used in the lab include molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, protein production and purification, nanoparticle engineering, crystallography, electron microscopy, live- and pseudo-virus assays, immunological assays, single B- and T-cell analysis, and NGS profiling of immune repertoires. Dr. Zhu holds a joint appointment in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology (ISCB) and the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research in La Jolla, CA (https://www.scripps.edu/). Details of Dr. Zhu’s laboratory, on-going research projects, and recent publications can be found at https://www.jzhulab.org/.
Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and Staff Scientists, this individual will plan and perform functional assays to determine vaccine-induced protective neutralizing antibody responses in human and animal samples. Work responsibilities include maintaining virus stock for pseudo viruses (e.g., HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2, HCV, and Ebola) and live viruses of the biosafety level 2 (BSL-2, e.g., seasonal Flu, RSV, and Zika), running virus neutralization assays, analyzing data for proper scientific reporting, and updating experimental protocols. This individual will also be responsible for training junior assistants, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- This Research Assistant will contribute to all research projects in the lab and may be recognized as a key contributor in the resulting publications. The main job responsibilities include cell line maintenance, virus production, and neutralization assays. May perform other additional related duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
- Requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
- Prior experience in virology research and assay work is required.
- Candidates possessing a master’s degree, with 3+ years’ experience will be considered.
- Candidates possessing a Ph.D. degree will be considered.
- Must have excellent organizational and time management skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment. Further details of the physical requirements of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $59,987 to $75,005 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.
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.