Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease, and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health.

The Drug Discovery chemical biology group works on a diverse portfolio of projects, such as epigenetics and cancer. The group supports a variety of assays for high-throughput screening, high-content screening, and structure-activity relationship determination for lead generation.

We are recruiting for a Research Assistant, who will develop novel cell-based, biophysical, and biochemical assays, convert them to miniaturized 384-well/1536-well formats and perform their implementation for automation on available robotics systems, interacting with the supervisor and other Center teams. This position is an excellent opportunity to be exposed to a dynamic range of drug discovery research, be mentored by industry professionals in an academic setting, and hone skills and rigor demanded by Pharma.

The vision of the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics (Prebys Center) atSanford Burnham Prebys is to be the world’s leading academic drug discovery and development organization, an epicenter for innovative approaches to accelerate the discovery of new drugs to help save lives and treat disease. This is an exciting opportunity to directly support biomedical and drug discovery projects with an end goal developing diverse capabilities throughout the pre-clinical drug discovery pipeline and ultimately benefiting patients.

Primary 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

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained is required
• Candidates with one or more years of experience may be considered for Level II
• Previous experience and knowledge of mammalian cell culture or standard molecular biology or protein analysis techniques is preferred
• 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

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 document 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
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is required

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $16.30 - $26.45/hour, commensurate with experience.

The scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute are making research breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and children's disease. We are also at the forefront of finding solutions for health threats such as COVID-19, where we are working to identify drugs that may help millions of people. During our more than 40 year history, we have established an NCI-designated Cancer Center, designed one of the most sophisticated drug discovery centers in the nonprofit world, and created global collaborations that are leading to preventions, treatments and cures to improve human health.

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as designated by federal, state or local law. For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.