Research Assistant Position Jobs in Encinitas, CA

As a Research Assistant I, this position will support the Laboratory of Dr. Thales Papagiannakopoulos, whose research focuses on cancer metabolism, tumor immunology, and tumor-host communication using genetically engineered mouse models and functional genomics approaches. This role will contribute to studies investigating how metabolic rewiring, immune interactions, and systemic physiology influence lung cancer progression and therapeutic response. Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory staff, the Research Assistant I will assist with molecular biology experiments, tissue processing, mouse colony management, data collection, and general laboratory operations.

The research Assistant will be expected to carry out, document, organize, and present experimental results to the research team under close supervision.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation. 

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Assist with molecular biology, cell culture, and biochemical experiments related to cancer biology and metabolism research.
• Maintain and genotype genetically engineered mouse models and assist with colony management in compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform histology and immunohistochemistry procedures, including tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and imaging.
• Support CRISPR/Cas9-based and functional genomics experiments under supervision.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and document experimental data and present findings to laboratory staff during meetings.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, order supplies, and ensure proper maintenance of laboratory equipment and shared spaces.
• Follow laboratory safety standards, biosafety protocols, and institutional compliance requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with laboratory members and contribute to a positive and inclusive research environment.
• Work is performed under direct supervision.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• No professional experience required.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, or a related scientific discipline required. A minimum of 2 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelor’s degree in a different discipline.
• Candidate must be willing to work with bacteria, human cells, stem cells, and viral vectors.
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office.
• Other skills (preferred):
  • Prior laboratory experience through coursework, internships, or research assistant positions.
  • Experience with mouse handling, tissue culture, molecular biology, or histology techniques.
  • Basic understanding of cancer biology, metabolism, immunology, or genomics research.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate experimental records and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

What We Can Offer 

The expected pay range for this position is $18.00-$21.00 hourly. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. 

Benefits 

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program. 

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.