RESEARCH ASSISTANT I -Liu Lab (Immunology & Microbiology)

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. 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 Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research has open positions in the new lab of Dr. Tiantian Liu. We are interested in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating immune cell development and function, with a special focus on Antigen-Presenting Cells. We seek to unravel the gene regulatory networks regulating Antigen-Presenting Cell lineage specification, and develop genetically engineered mouse models to determine the overlapping and unique functions of each Antigen-Presenting Cell subset (Liu et al., Nature, 2022). Our research will provide new ideas and strategies for the development of better vaccine and therapies that modulate T cell responses for the treatment of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Find out more from our group website: https://www.liutlab.com/.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

The Research Assistant will work with the Principal Investigator and members of the lab as needed to advance current projects, and may be recognized as a contributor to the resulting publications.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Provide support with general laboratory maintenance and compliance with health and safety policies, and help to train, supervise, and mentor junior staff as needed.
• Maintain mouse colonies by setting up breeder cages, weaning progeny, and genotyping.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and responsible for ordering reagents and other supplies.
• Participate in lab meetings by reporting data and presenting during journal clubs. (Optional)

REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.
• Requires 1-3 years experience. Candidates possessing a Master's degree, 0-2 years experience required.
• Proficient in standard aseptic techniques (i.e. mammalian cell culture).
• Prior experience handling rodents is preferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

We encourage applicants seeking 2-3 years of intensive research experience prior to applying to PhD programs or medical school. This position offers comprehensive scientific training and individualized mentorship, providing a strong foundation to enhance the competitiveness of future applications. Candidates interested in pursuing a PhD may also be considered for recruitment through graduate programs at Scripps. Additionally, we welcome applications from individuals interested in long-term scientific positions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position entails working in laboratory and vivarium environment and requires the ability to handle mice.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. up to chest-height.
• 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 $20.67 to $25.06 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.