Laboratory Technician I - Laboratory of Dr. Tony Hunter at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

The Laboratory Technician I is under the supervision and direction of the lab manager while performing general tasks to support the biochemical research laboratory of Dr. Tony Hunter. The position is responsible for a series of menial to complex assignments in support of the laboratory and its staff, including Research Assistants and Postdoctoral Fellows. The goal of this role is to develop proficiency skills within the laboratory environment while establishing discipline of lab protocols. The expectation is that the Laboratory Technician I will work under moderate supervision with some latitude for independence and judgment. 

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

• Maintain inventory, fulfill and receive orders of common lab and floor stocked supplies.


• Receive, label, and record incoming products (samples, reagents etc.) ensuring proper documentation and protocol adherence.


• Ability to navigate and maintain electronic databases, inventories, etc.


• Assists with research and lab support including but not limited to preparing commonly used lab solutions, sterilizing plasticware and solutions, plasmid amplification and characterization.


• Assists Lab Manager with organizational projects.


• Maintain accurate lab documentation.


• Assist in maintenance, cleaning and calibration of laboratory equipment.


• Coordinate with outside vendors for equipment management when necessary.


• Conduct basic tests and measurements under the guidance of lab manager.


• Uphold a clean and organized laboratory working environment.


• Contribute to team-based projects and collaborate with colleagues to support ongoing research while working under the direction of the lab manager.


• Follow laboratory policies and procedures, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.


• Maintains effective communication and working relationships with all laboratory personnel, other disciplines, and external suppliers.


• Participate in safety training and maintain awareness of potential risks in the laboratory.


• Performs other research related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• No professional experience is required.


• High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to three months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.


• 1+ years of lab experience preferred.


• Interest in biomedical research preferred.


• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office, Google spreadsheets.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $17.25 to $18.00 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.