Research Assistant - Dr. Thales Papagiannakopoulos

Research Assistant I - Dr. Thales Papagiannakopoulos

Salk Main Campus
10010 N Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

As a Research Assistant I, this position will support the Laboratory of Dr. Thales Papagiannakopoulos, whose research focuses on cancer metabolism, tumor immunology, and tumor-host communication using genetically engineered mouse models and functional genomics approaches. This role will contribute to studies investigating how metabolic rewiring, immune interactions, and systemic physiology influence lung cancer progression and therapeutic response. Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory staff, the Research Assistant I will assist with molecular biology experiments, tissue processing, mouse colony management, data collection, and general laboratory operations.

The Research Assistant will be expected to carry out, document, organize, and present experimental results to the research team under close supervision.

• Assist with molecular biology, cell culture, and biochemical experiments related to cancer biology and metabolism research.
• Maintain and genotype genetically engineered mouse models and assist with colony management in compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform histology and immunohistochemistry procedures, including tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and imaging.
• Support CRISPR/Cas9-based and functional genomics experiments under supervision.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and document experimental data and present findings to laboratory staff during meetings.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, order supplies, and ensure proper maintenance of laboratory equipment and shared spaces.
• Follow laboratory safety standards, biosafety protocols, and institutional compliance requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with laboratory members and contribute to a positive and inclusive research environment.
• Work is performed under direct supervision.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

• No professional experience required.
• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, or a related scientific discipline required. A minimum of 2 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelor’s degree in a different discipline.
• Candidate must be willing to work with bacteria, human cells, stem cells, and viral vectors.
• Other skills (preferred):
• Prior laboratory experience through coursework, internships, or research assistant positions.
• Experience with mouse handling, tissue culture, molecular biology, or histology techniques.
• Basic understanding of cancer biology, metabolism, immunology, or genomics research.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate experimental records and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

The expected pay range for this position is $18.00-$21.00 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 Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all…