Research Assistant - Chanda Lab; Biology

Overview

About Us Cali
-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Cali
-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists. Cali
-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Cali
-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant I

The Chanda Lab is based at The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, California), a globally recognized leader in scientific and medical innovation. Scientists across the Institute’s five academic research departments advance fundamental knowledge and translate discoveries into cutting-edge therapeutic strategies. Our group is part of the Immunology and Microbiology Department, where we focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of virus–host interactions using advanced approaches including CRISPR, RNAi, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, chemical biology, and super-resolution microscopy.

Through our Cali  arm, we conduct a robust drug-discovery program aimed at translating molecular insights into next-generation therapeutics for viral infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Our team’s transformative research, combined with the unique scientific environment at Scripps, fosters the development of the next generation of scientific leaders.

The Chanda Lab at Cali  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.

• 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.

• Bachelor of Science in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related field.
• 1-3 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, Next Gen sequencing, etc.) is a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

• This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

The expected…