RESEARCH ASSISTANT I

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary:

The Research Assistant I will work in the Colas Lab supporting the RILPL1 project, which investigates how RILPL1 regulates the p53–MyoD axis to control muscle cell identity, hypertrophy, and myofiber size in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Work spans in vitro assays (myoblast/myotube culture, siRNA/shRNA-mediated knockdown, hypertrophy assays, and immunofluorescence-based myofiber size analysis) and in vivo work (mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, tissue collection, and histology) supporting ongoing interactome and pathway analyses. The Research Assistant will be learning new technologies, as well as applying existing knowledge to procedures and bench-work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs cell culture, siRNA/shRNA transfection, and hypertrophy assays in myoblast and myotube models, and processes mouse tissue for histology and myofiber size analysis. Keeps written records of experiments and data organization.

Troubleshoots problems and develops solutions to technical problems of moderate to high scope using independent thinking, literature, and colleagues as resources to solve problems

Provides interpretation and analysis of RILPL1 project data (imaging, qPCR, Western blot). Maintains various reagent collections and inventories, and orders lab supplies as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in one of the biological science or related studies OR equivalent education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained is required

Experience: Prior lab experience is a plus; experience with mammalian cell culture, mouse handling/husbandry, immunofluorescence or histology, and standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western blot) is preferred. Certifications, Licenses, etc.: None required; IACUC training will be provided if not already completed.

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

Work independently as well as in a team environment Be responsible and have strong time management skills

Able to analyze and resolve issues of moderate complexity Possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct: No, this position does not have any formal supervisory responsibilities

Indirect: No, this position does not have any indirect supervisory responsibilities

Work Location: This is an onsite position; candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego. Out-of-state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Compensation: The expected hiring range for this position is $20.42 - $25.52 commensurate with relevant experience.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Benefits Team via e-mail at [email protected].