Research Assistant III - TB Biology

2w2 weeks ago

Scripps Research

San Diego, US · Full-time · $70,304 – $73,000

About this role

Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, a division of Scripps Research, pairs biomedical research with drug discovery to accelerate new medicines. The Research Assistant III supports the TB Biology drug discovery team with daily experimental execution, reagent preparation, data management, and routine compound profiling against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This role requires strict adherence to biosafety procedures in BSL2 and BSL3 facilities.

Daily tasks include performing microbiological experiments such as media preparation, bacterial culturing, and strain handling under containment. Execute activity profiling of compound analogs against BSL2/BSL3 TB, including tissue culture and immunology workflows as needed. Follow BSL3 SOPs rigorously, including PPE use, decontamination, and waste handling.

Molecular biology support involves isolation and purification of DNA/RNA, PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR. Maintain complete, timely lab notebook documentation and organize data for analysis and reporting. Present results in laboratory meetings and communicate progress to the team.

Work in a high-containment environment demands planning multiple experiments with overlapping timelines and strong ownership of assays. Join a transformative team at Scripps Research, ranked most influential for innovation, advancing drug candidates for diseases like infectious and neglected tropical diseases. Impact patients through nonprofit biomedical research.

Requirements

Experience working in BSL2 and BSL3 facilities with strict adherence to biosafety procedures
Proficiency in microbiological techniques for <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> culturing and handling
Skills in routine compound profiling and activity assays against TB strains
Familiarity with molecular biology methods including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, and qRT-PCR
Strong experimental discipline and careful documentation practices
Ability to manage data analysis, organization, and reporting in a research setting
Reliability in high-containment environments with ownership of assigned assays

Responsibilities

Perform and assist in microbiological experiments, including preparation of media, bacterial culturing, and routine strain handling under appropriate containment
Execute routine activity profiling of new compound analogs against BSL2 and/or BSL3 TB, including tissue culture and immunology-related workflows
Follow BSL3 SOPs rigorously, including PPE use, decontamination procedures, waste handling, and documentation requirements
Perform and assist in molecular biology experiments, including isolation and purification of DNA/RNA, PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR
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
Plan and prioritize multiple experiments with overlapping timelines; meet time-sensitive endpoints