The Research Assistant II position will focus on brain cryostat slicing, nuclei production and sorting for multiomics analysis, and spatial transcriptomics.  The successful candidate will work approximately 75% of the time on funded projects and the rest on support doctoral researchers in the lab. The position will require training in cryostat slicing, nuclei production and sorting, neuronal imaging and analysis and in specific techniques and methods in order to execute experiments that are broadly designed by the PI or postdoctoral researchers.  Following training, the successful candidate must be able to carry out and analyze experimental results independently with limited instruction for routine work.  The overall goal of the research is to use epigenomics to create an ATLAS of the human brain at single cell resolution.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(50%) Tissue sectioning and nuclei preparation

• Independently slices samples using cryostat and dissects brain tissue.
• Independently prepares cellular nuclei from brain tissue

(15%) Molecular Biology Techniques

• Perform various techniques in molecular biology such as RNA/DNA extraction and analysis.
• PCR and rtPCR.
• Gel Electrophoresis.

(25%) Histology

• Perform NISSL staining protocol on fresh frozen sections
• Use Slide scanner to image tissue sections

(5%) Tissue Culture

• Independently maintains cultures of neuronal/glial cells obtained from differentiation of embryonic neural precursors.

(5%) Lab Support

• Performs quality control of reagents as needed.
• Trains and assists other lab personnel on research techniques and use of laboratory equipment.
• Attends staff meetings and assist with general problem solving.
• Assists in Hazardous, Biohazardous and waste disposal.
• Assists with maintaining laboratory safety records.
• Maintains laboratory supplies and equipment.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• A minimum of 2 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of genomic techniques, image analysis and brain handling.
• Proficient in the operation of standard lab equipment and computer hardware/software.

Preferred:

• Fundamental skills in neuroscience, molecular biology, and histology.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field, or equivalent

Preferred

• Neuroscience specialization.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required

• Theoretical and hands-on knowledge of histology and molecular biology techniques, as well as confocal imaging.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in researching information and analyzing data to arrive at valid conclusions.
• Ability to manage and track large numbers of samples meticulously.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of various lab equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems, standard business office equipment and commonly used software and tools, such as Microsoft Office, electronic mail, and the internet.
• Proficiency with common office software applications as well as software applications used for research, recording, and analysis.
• Highly organized, effective at multitasking, adept at juggling changing priorities and able to prioritize.
• Proven ability to work both independently and also as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups. Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with personnel at all levels.

Preferred:

• Subcellular fractionation and cell cytometry.

The expected pay range for this position is $21.15 to $25.00 per hour. 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. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Must be willing to work independently and must have a flexible schedule to support research needs.
• Satisfactory completion of the Institute’s background investigation.
• Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The incumbent in this position will be constantly adjusting focus, handling, seeing, sitting, touching/feeling, and working indoors.

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