RESEARCH ASSISTANT I- Zhu Lab

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant I

POSITION SUMMARY

The Zhu Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant I to join a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation vaccines against diverse viral pathogens, including HIV, HCV, filoviruses, RSV, influenza viruses, and coronaviruses.

Research in the laboratory integrates structure-guided vaccine design with molecular biology, protein engineering, immunology, and virology. Experimental approaches include molecular biology, protein production and purification, structural biology (X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy), animal immunization, virus culture and neutralization assays, serological analysis, flow cytometry, single-cell analysis, and next-generation sequencing of immune repertoires.

Although molecular biology and protein production will be the primary focus of this position, research assistant may have opportunities to learn advanced techniques in virology and immunology and participate in preclinical vaccine evaluation studies. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory members to support multiple research projects and may be recognized as a contributor on resulting scientific publications.

RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES

• Perform molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques including DNA cloning, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, mammalian cell culture, transfection, protein expression and purification, SDS-PAGE, BN-PAGE, and Western blotting.
• Maintain sterile laboratory practices and followed standardized protocols to ensure experimental quality and reproducibility.
• Support molecular biology and recombinant protein production workflows for research projects.
• Gain hands-on experience in virology and immunology techniques and contributed to preclinical vaccine evaluation studies.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Zhu Laboratory focuses on the rational design of vaccines against HIV, SARS-CoV-2, HCV, filoviruses, RSV, influenza viruses, and other emerging viral pathogens. Dr. Jiang Zhu holds a joint appointment in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology (ISCB) and the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California. More information about the laboratory, ongoing research, and recent publications can be found at:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Requires 1-3 years experience.
• Prior experience in protein biochemistry and microbiology is preferred.
• Strong motivation to learn new techniques and contribute to collaborative research.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $20.67 to $25.06 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

C OMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Remote/Hybrid/Flexible work schedules (Dependent on role).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members.
• Free, on-site parking.

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement

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 are encouraged to apply and 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights ( notice from the Department of Labor.