Research Associate-Scientific

Research Associate

Location: San Diego, CA, 100% on-site, lab-based role.

The Oncology Discovery team at the Oncogenesis Thematic Research Center is seeking a Research Associate to support our drug discovery and characterization efforts. An early-career level position. Familiarity with core industry and lab practices and standards. Solves routine problems of limited scope and complexity. The qualified candidate will leverage various CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to enable genetic/multiplexed cell line screens to support early and late stage drug mechanism of action studies. They will assist senior team members in performing the totality of the screening process, including cell line engineering, cell treatment experiments, NGS library preparation, and target validation. Common skills and techniques used will include mammalian cell culture, lentiviral transduction, DNA/protein isolation, PCR, flow cytometry, and western blot. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills and will be capable of working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment. Must demonstrate the ability to multi-task and prioritize time management of daily activities to deliver timely results. Wet lab research experience is required, no PhD candidates.

Required Competencies: Essential Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology (no PhD candidates)
• 2+ years of wet lab experience (not including lab classes): experience in mammalian cell culture is required.
• Basic molecular biology skills (PCR especially; familiarity with library prep preferred)
• Proficient in laboratory math (dilutions, cell count-based plating)
• Excellent organizational skills and record-keeping (Excel & Powerpoint)

*Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following*:

• Execute cellular and molecular biology protocols in the laboratory
• Maintain cancer cell lines and establish new stable lines via lentiviral transduction
• Validate engineered cell lines by reporter assays and PCR
• Perform genetic targeting using siRNA, shRNA or CRISPR/Cas9 technology for cell line characterization and screening
• Conduct routine molecular and cellular experiments including gDNA and RNA isolation, PCR, cloning, western blot analysis, flow cytometry, and microplate cell proliferation assays
• Identify experimental issues, troubleshoot, and recommend a corrective course of action
• Design experiments and protocol optimization in collaboration with senior researchers
• Maintain details lab notebooks and record data in electronic notebook in accordance with company policy
• Communicate results in written and oral presentations

The starting hourly compensation for this assignment is a range from $26.58-$33.75 While the final, individual compensation will be determined by your employer of record (and not Client), factors that will be included in making the final determination may include the characteristics of the assignment, such as demonstrated experience, required skill, and the geographic location where the job is performed. The starting hourly compensation may be subject to change.