Research Assistant II - Laboratory of Dr. Sreekanth Chalasani

The Salk Institute is seeking a Research Assistant with expertise in neuronal cultures, viral handling or ultrasound techniques to support ongoing research in ultrasound-controlled cellular manipulation and gene delivery systems. The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team conducting innovative research on mechanosensitive proteins, ultrasound transducers, gene delivery systems, and novel ion channels. This position requires experience with cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and experimental data analysis.

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

• Perform tissue culture experiments, including maintenance, expansion, and characterization of cell lines expressing mechanosensitive proteins.
• Assist in the design and execution of experiments to evaluate ultrasound-controlled cellular responses in vitro and in vivo.
• Contribute to the development and validation of gene delivery systems targeting specific cell types using adeno-associated viral vectors.
• Support research efforts in the identification and characterization of novel mechanically activated ion channels or receptors.
• Prepare and analyze data demonstrating the design and validation of custom ultrasound transducers for non-invasive delivery.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures and results, ensuring compliance with data management policies.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to optimize experimental protocols and troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Prepare reports, contribute to publications, and present findings at research meetings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• Minimum 2 years experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific discipline required. A minimum of 4 years of experience in a scientific role is required for consideration of a Bachelor's degree in a different discipline.
• Required Skills & Experience:
  
  
  
  • Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including sterile technique and transfection methods.
  • Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry.
  • Knowledge of gene delivery methods, including viral vector-mediated transgene expression.
  • Familiarity with microscopy techniques and data analysis software.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in experimental documentation.
  
  
  
  
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office, MATLAB or any programming language)
• Preferred qualifications:
  
  
  
  • Masters degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
  • Experience working with mechanosensitive proteins and ultrasound stimulation.
  • Previous involvement in in vivo studies using small or large animal models.
  • Familiarity with biophysical methods for assessing mechanotransduction.
  • Experience with bioinformatics tools for gene expression analysis.
  
  
  
  

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $21.15 to $25.00 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, geographic location, 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.