RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Zhu 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: https://100.scripps.edu/

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant I

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Zhu Lab is seeking a highly motivated individual to join a team of researchers to support vaccine development for diverse viral pathogens such as HIV, HCV, filovirus, RSV, influenza, and Coronavirus.

The experimental methods used in the lab include molecular biology, biochemistry, protein production and purification, animal immunization, virus culture and neutralization, serological analysis, flow cytometry, single cell analysis, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of immune repertoires.

This individual will contribute to different projects assisting Staff Scientist and Principal Investigator and may also be recognized as a contributor to the resulting publications. Assignments will include performing various molecular biology and protein experiments such as DNA cloning, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, protein analysis including purification and Western Blot, SDS-PAGE, and BN-PAGE, mammalian cell culture and transfection, aseptic techniques, all the while following predefined protocols. While molecular biology or protein production will be the main responsibilities for this position, individuals may have opportunities to learn advanced assays in virology and immunology and participate in vaccine evaluation studies.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The Zhu lab is focusing on rational vaccine design for HIV, SARS-CoV-2, HCV, filovirus, RSV, influenza, and several other viral pathogens. Dr. 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, CA (https://www.scripps.edu/). Details of Dr. Zhu's lab, ongoing research projects, and recent publications can be found at https://www.jzhulab.org/. Dr. Zhu is also the founder and interim CSO of Uvax Bio, a vaccine biotechnology company that aims to address global health challenges with innovative vaccine solutions. An HIV vaccine candidate developed by the Zhu lab is currently in the Phase 1 clinical trial in Australia (ANZCTR registration #: ACTRN12624000064505), which is sponsored by Uvax Bio. An NIH-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trial, HVTN 319, is under preparation and is expected to take place in early 2025.

REQUIREMENTS:

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  Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.

  
  
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  Requires 1-3 years of experience, e.g., as an undergraduate internship.

  
  
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  Prior experience in molecular biology and protein biochemistry will be a plus but not required.

  
  
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  Must be keen to learn, have good organizational and time management skills.

  
  
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  Must be neat and capable of detailed record keeping.

  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position works in a laboratory 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 $20.07 to $25.06 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE 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).
• 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. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.