Research Assistant II - Laboratory of Dr. Julie Law

Research Assistant II - Laboratory of Dr. Julie Law

Job Category:
Research Sciences

Requisition Number: RESEA
002799

Posted:
June 12, 2026

Full-Time

On-site

La Jolla, CA , USA

As a Research Assistant II, this position will support the laboratory of Dr. Julie Law where they will focus on chromatin and gene regulation. The Harnessing Plants Initiative's (HPI) CO2 Removal on a Planetary Scale (CRoPS) program aims to leverage these processes to develop crop plants that sequester more carbon via extensive root systems containing recalcitrant carbon polymers to fight climate change.

This position will support a major component of this research which conducts genetic and genomic analysis for understanding traits relevant for plant improvements.

The Research Assistant II will work closely with Dr. Law and fellow lab members of the HPI CRoPS program to perform various molecular biology and microscopy techniques in support of research projects aimed at understanding gene regulation at the genetic and epigenetic levels. Incumbent will work in a team responsible for (1) phenotyping Arabidopsis thaliana lines of interest (2) screening, genotyping, and maintaining plant lines (3) designing constructs to assess gene function and expression and (4) staining and preparing plant samples for various types of microscopy.

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

Conduct molecular and biotechnology techniques, including:

• Genotype reporter and mutant lines.
• Assist in designing novel constructs and optimize cloning strategies.
• Assess the expression of reporter lines via staining, imaging, and/or western blotting.
• Screen mutants and inducible plant lines for desired traits.
• Record and analyze all data and observations in an appropriate electronic lab notebook.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses, ensuring experiments are well documented.
• Collaborate with and discuss results with the rest of the research team.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and media plates.
• Grow and maintain plant lines.
• Organize plant lines & construct stocks.
• Ability to exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Ability to follow general instruction on routine work, and detailed instructions on new assignments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Minimum 2 years' experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. A minimum of 4 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelor's degree in a different discipline. Computer skills required:
Microsoft Office. Statistical analysis, graphing, and presentation of data.

The expected pay range for this position is $21.00 to $25.00 hourly. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer…