Job Details
Description
This position is to join a group investigating the role of non-neuronal cells
called astrocytes in brain development and function in health and disease. The
goals of the group are to identify factors released by astrocytes that
regulate neuronal function and apply them to disorders where neurons are
dysfunctional to rescue the deficit.
This Research Assistant I position is responsible for assisting various
molecular biology, cell, and biochemistry techniques; animal handling,
training, husbandry, injection, surgery and perfusion, tissue slicing,
immunostaining, imaging, data processing, preparing buffer solutions,
autoclaving, and other general lab duties in support of the Principal
Investigator (PI) and lab research goals.
Additional responsibilities include assisting with general laboratory
maintenance, including equipment maintenance, ordering supplies, etc. The
position will be trained in specific techniques and methods to execute
experiments that are broadly designed by a Postdoc or PI and must be able to
carry out and analyze experimental results independently.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Independently maintain cultures of human and mouse glial cells and neurons
and manage and differentiate cell lines.
Assist with and perform animal injections, surgery, and perfusion.
Assist with and perform tissue slicing, immunostaining, imaging, data
processing, and analysis.
Assist with and perform animal handling, training, and husbandry.
Assist with maintaining laboratory supplies and reagents.
Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
No professional experience required with relevant degree.
Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline
required. Bachelor's degrees in a different discipline and a minimum of 2
years of experience in a scientific role will be considered in lieu.
Demonstrated experience working in a research laboratory setting and
knowledge of basic lab techniques preferred.
Experience working in an animal research environment preferred.
COMPETENCIES:
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management
direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments;
Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes
tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
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.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses
time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and
objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops
realistic action plans.
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.
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits
objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback;
Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above
own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and
objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues
training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build
knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures;
Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially
unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of Salk policies related to
diversity, equity & inclusion; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural
differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a
harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
Salary range for this position is $18.03 to $21.00 hourly.
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
Frequently required to talk or hear
Occasionally required to taste or smell
Occasionally exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions
Occasionally exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
Occasionally exposed to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious
materials
While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work
environment is usually moderate
The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 20
pounds
Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision;
Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and
ability to adjust focus
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 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.
Qualifications
Skills
Behaviors
:
Motivations
:
Education
Experience
Licenses & Certifications
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)
