Research assistant i

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary

The Center for Therapeutics Discovery at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is seeking Research Assistants to support a broad range of critical drug discovery activities. In this role, you will contribute to tissue culture operations, compound management, and assay development. Under the guidance of experienced scientists, you will learn to design and optimize novel cell‑based, biochemical, and biophysical assays, miniaturize them into 384‑ and 1536‑well formats, and implement them on state‑of‑the‑art automated robotic platforms. You will work closely with your supervisor and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the Center.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across the drug discovery pipeline, receive mentorship from industry‑trained professionals in an academic environment, and develop the technical and analytical skills expected in leading pharmaceutical organizations.

The Center for Therapeutics Discovery aims to be the world’s premier academic drug discovery and development engine—an epicenter for innovative approaches that accelerate the creation of new medicines to improve human health. As a Research Assistant, you will play a direct role in advancing biomedical and preclinical research programs with the ultimate goal of delivering impactful therapies to patients.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in assay development (biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays) and high-throughput screening for projects in the teams’ portfolios.
• Operates specialized equipment requiring a moderate degree of skill and able to troubleshoot straightforward problems.
• Performs a variety of laboratory tasks, including preparing samples, accurately analyzing data using state-of-the-art software (e.g. CBIS, Prism), and providing basic data interpretations.
• Sets up and operates standard lab equipment.
• Contributes to the completion of diverse tasks within laboratory procedures, practices and protocols.
• Maintains multiple mammalian cell lines simultaneously.
• Troubleshoots and modifies SOPs as needed with minimal input from supervisor.
• Accurately documents and records all experiments in lab notebooks and electronic data system.
• Performs all other related duties and tasks as required or assigned.
• Follows all appropriate safety protocols and takes an active role in the safely culture in the laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a biological science or a related field and a of 0-1 year of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained.
• Previous experience and knowledge of mammalian cell culture or standard molecular biology or protein analysis techniques is required.
• Experience with automated multi-well plate readers and a range of liquid handling instruments is a plus.
• Experience with acquisition and analysis of multi-parametric quantitative experimental data is a plus.
• Previous experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting preferred

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Be a quick learner with meticulous attention to detail
• Be able to gain and apply technical knowledge and skills to develop novel cell-based and biochemical assays and convert them to 384-well/ 1536-well format using automated liquid handlers and plate readers.
• Able to analyze and resolve commonly encountered issues
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects in a rapidly changing, deadline-driven environment
• Proven presentation, verbal and written communication skills
• Accurately documents own experiments in lab notebook (including tables, graphs, etc.)
• Be responsible and have strong time management skills
• Possess strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills
• Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly MS Excel, PowerPoint) and other state-of-the-art analysis software (GraphPad Prism)
• Embody the Institute’s core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct: No, this position does not have any formal supervisory responsibilities

Indirect

Work Location

This is an onsite position; candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego. Out-of-state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $22/hour commensurate with relevant experience.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Benefits Team at (858) 646-3100 or via e-mail at benefits@sbpdiscovery.org [benefits@sbpdiscovery.org]