Research Assistant II - In Vivo Pharmacology

Overview

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. Our portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, and age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Research Assistant II

Cali  is seeking a highly motivated in vivo pharmacology research assistant II (RAII) to join the Pharmacology group and support multiple drug discovery and early development programs. The successful candidate will execute and document in vivo pharmacology studies, assist with study setup and sample processing, and contribute to data capture with basic analysis under the direction of senior scientists and project leads.

Opportunities to support in vitro assay work and sample analysis may be available depending on experience. Title, scope of responsibility, and level of study ownership will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, demonstrated expertise, and organizational needs; this position is expected to work under general supervision with increasing autonomy as skills develop.

• Perform day-to-day execution of in vivo pharmacology experiments (e.g., animal handling, dosing, blood/tissue collection, euthanasia/necropsy, basic surgical assistance) according to study protocols and SOPs.
• Prepare study reagents, compounds, and disposables; assist with compound dosing solutions and sample labeling/processing.
• With supervision design, execute, and analyze in vivo proof-of-concept, efficacy, and mechanistic studies in close partnership with supervisors and project teams
• Support study setup and logistics (animal acclimation, equipment set-up, sample shipping, inventory management) and provide operational vivarium support as needed.
• Carry out routine sample preparation for downstream analysis (plasma/tissue processing, basic bioanalytical prep) and assist analytical teams as requested.
• Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records in compliance with institutional policies, IACUC requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Observe and report animal health concerns and participate in routine colony management and health surveillance activities.
• Collaborate closely with supervisors, principal investigators, project leads, and cross-functional partners to support program decisions.
• Support animal ethics and compliance activities.
• Perform related duties incidental to the work described herein, including operational support of vivarium-based studies as needed.

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a biology-related field.
• Requires 3-5 years’ of hands-on in vivo experience (rodent handling, dosing, blood/tissue collection).
• Familiarity with basic vivarium practices and standard animal welfare considerations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data generation and documentation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively on multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency with standard productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office)
• Willingness to occasionally work off-hours, weekends, or holidays as study needs require.
• Prefer prior experience with several routes of dosing (oral, IP, SC, IV) and basic surgical/anesthesia procedures.

• 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 hiring range for this position is $70,304 to $79,500 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience…