RESEARCH ASSISTANT II-Lightner Lab

ABOUT US: Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating 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. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to 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.

Celebrating a Century:

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant II

POSITION SUMMARY:

Plan and conduct complex research projects centered on 3D organoid culture, primary tissue cell isolation, and assay development in support of translational research programs. Independently perform non-routine procedures, develop new or improved techniques, design experimental approaches, analyze data, and interpret complex results. Operate sophisticated scientific lab equipment; plan and execute discrete projects or significant portions of larger research initiatives; may provide work direction and training to junior staff. Perform other related duties as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Work under minimal supervision and independently execute a broad range of laboratory techniques, exercising judgment to adapt established methods to project-specific requirements. Receive direction on overall objectives, complex experimental features, and potential approaches.
• Isolate primary cells from human tissue specimens, including biopsies and surgical resections. Establish, maintain, passage, and characterize 3D organoid cultures derived from primary human tissue, with particular attention to viability, growth kinetics, and phenotypic stability.
• Develop, optimize, and validate cell-based assays in 3D organoid and primary cell systems, including readouts for viability, proliferation, differentiation, drug response, and disease-relevant phenotypes.
• Maintain iPSC cultures including directed differentiation protocols and downstream characterization.
• Process in vivo samples and integrate ex vivo data with in vitro experimental results.
• Interpret and analyze experimental data; troubleshoot technical issues and modify procedures to improve robustness, throughput, or biological relevance.
• Contribute to experimental design as part of broader research plans. May perform routine equipment maintenance and provide technical guidance and training to other team members.
• Perform other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or related field), or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Requires 3-5 years' experience. Candidates possessing a master's degree, 2+ years' experience required.
• Hands-on experience with 3D organoid culture is required, including establishment from primary tissue, long-term maintenance, passaging, and characterization. Familiarity with patient-derived organoid systems strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience isolating primary cells from human tissue (biopsy, surgical resection, or equivalent), including enzymatic/mechanical dissociation, viability assessment, and downstream culture establishment.
• Proficiency with standard cell culture techniques
• Experience with imaging, flow cytometry, qPCR, or other relevant characterization methods.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate experimental results clearly.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS:

• 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.

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $70,304 to $75,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) using your own pre or post-tax dollars.
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• 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.