RESEARCH ASSISTANT III -TB Biology, Drug Discovery

ABOUT US:

Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Calibr-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs' drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Research Assistant III

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Assistant III will support the TB Biology drug discovery team with daily experimental execution, reagent preparation, data management, and routine compound profiling against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This role will work in both BSL2 and BSL3 facilities and requires strict adherence to biosafety procedures, careful documentation, and strong experimental discipline.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: BSL2 & Majority BSL3 (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILIES:

Microbiology / TB Assay Support (BSL2/BSL3)-

• Perform and assist in microbiological experiments, including preparation of media, bacterial culturing, and routine strain handling under appropriate containment.
• Execute routine activity profiling of new compound analogs against BSL2 and/or BSL3 TB, including tissue culture, immunology-related workflows (as needed), and data analysis.
• Follow BSL3 SOPs rigorously, including PPE use, decontamination procedures, waste handling, and documentation requirements.

Molecular Biology Support-

• Perform and assist in molecular biology experiments, including isolation and purification of DNA/RNA, PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR.

Documentation, Data, and Communication-

• Maintain complete, timely, and accurate lab notebook documentation.
• Organize, analyze, and report data using standard tools; support data uploading and file organization.
• Present results in informal laboratory meetings and communicate progress/issues clearly to the team.

Operational Excellence / Time Management-

• Plan and prioritize multiple experiments with overlapping timelines; meet time-sensitive endpoints and coordinate schedules to support BSL3 work.
• Demonstrate strong ownership of assigned assays and consistent reliability in a high-containment setting.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, or related field.
• 5+ years of BSL2 laboratory experience (required).
• Strong organizational skills and time management, including the ability to manage multi-day experiments and meet fixed sampling/harvest timelines.
• Experience with cell-based and/or biochemical assays using imaging, luminescence, fluorescence, and/or absorbance in high-density formats.
• Letter of recommendation and/or at least one professional reference is highly preferred.
  
  
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Prior BSL3 experience is not required.
• Candidates with solid BSL2 experience and strong aseptic technique are encouraged to apply.
• The successful candidate must be comfortable spending the majority of their work hours in BSL3 after training and must demonstrate excellent time management, reliability, and attention to detail to support time-sensitive workflows.
• Vaccinations against relevant agents may be offered, or in some cases required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position works in a laboratory environment. Further details of the physical requirements 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 $73,000 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) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• 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 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.