Research Assistant III -TB Biology, Drug Discovery

ABOUT US

Cali
-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that 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. Cali
-Skaggs has a portfolio spanning cancer, autoimmune 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 III

The Research Assistant III will support the TB Biology drug discovery team with daily experimental execution, reagent preparation, data management, and routine compound profiling against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This role will work in both BSL2 and BSL3 facilities and requires strict adherence to biosafety procedures, careful documentation, and strong experimental discipline.

BSL2 and predominantly BSL3 (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).

• Microbiology / TB Assay Support (BSL2/BSL3): perform and assist in microbiological experiments, including preparation of media, bacterial culturing, and routine strain handling under containment.
• Execute routine activity profiling of new compound analogs against BSL2 and/or BSL3 TB, including tissue culture, immunology-related workflows as needed, and data analysis.
• Follow BSL3 SOPs rigorously, including PPE use, decontamination procedures, waste handling, and documentation requirements.
• Molecular Biology Support: perform and assist in molecular biology experiments, including isolation and purification of DNA/RNA, PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR.
• Documentation, Data, and Communication: maintain complete, timely, and accurate lab notebook documentation; organize, analyze, and report data using standard tools; support data uploading and file organization; present results in informal laboratory meetings and communicate progress/issues clearly to the team.
• Operational Excellence / Time Management: plan and prioritize multiple experiments with overlapping timelines; meet time-sensitive endpoints and coordinate schedules to support BSL3 work; demonstrate strong ownership of assigned assays and reliability in a high-containment setting.

• Bachelor of Science in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, or related field.
• 5+ years of BSL2 laboratory experience (required).
• Strong organizational skills and time management, including the ability to manage multi-day experiments and meet fixed sampling/harvest timelines.
• Experience with cell-based and/or biochemical assays using imaging, luminescence, fluorescence, and/or absorbance in high-density formats.
• Letter of recommendation and/or at least one professional reference is highly preferred.

• Prior BSL3 experience is not required.
• Candidates with solid BSL2 experience and strong aseptic technique are encouraged to apply.
• The successful candidate must be comfortable spending the majority of work hours in BSL3 after training and must demonstrate excellent time management, reliability, and attention to detail to support time-sensitive workflows.
• Vaccinations against relevant agents may be offered or required.

This position works in a laboratory environment. Details of the physical requirements will be addressed during the interview process.

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,304 to $73,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan (no employee contribution required) with option to contribute to a 403(b).
• Full suite of health and welfare plans including three medical plan options, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP, and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free on-site parking.

The above statements describe the level of work in general terms and are not intended to list all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills. The content is subject to change due to business needs. Employment at Scripps Research is at-will.

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.