Research Assistant I - Next Generation Sequencing Core Facility

Application Instructions:

Employment History Include your last ten (10) years of employment history, or length of your employment history if less, including all positions (even those that are not relevant to this position) and periods of unemployment. Incomplete information could disqualify you from further consideration.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Assistant I works closely with members of the Next Generation Sequencing Core staff to organize and conduct daily procedures related to operational support of core services and efficient use of core equipment.

General responsibilities include interacting with other members of the core staff, the core director, and Salk Institute researchers submitting samples to the core, handling sample data management and assisting researchers on specific projects.

The position is responsible for, with general instruction on routine work, daily bench work involving generation and maintenance of sequencing libraries and sample quantification & quality control, sequencing, and sequencer operation as well as carrying out workflows for established Next Gen sequencing applications for current application.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(80%) Core Facility Support 

• Carry out procedures associated with DNA sequencing on the Illumina sequencing platform; including DNA and RNA library preparation, and sample quantification & preparation;
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and perform day-to-day work on library preparation.
• Analyze current process procedures and provide feedback for their optimization and improvement, document processes, improvements to methods, and troubleshoot assays as needed;
• Execute advanced next generation sequencing applications such as genomic DNA, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, small RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and custom sequencing libraries.
• Perform quality control of samples.
• Maintain detailed daily records in a well-kept lab notebook, work carefully to control and optimize protocols.
• Assist Core Director and Staff with other associated lab duties as required

(20%) Core Facility Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of core instrumentation
• Maintain database of scientific core facility records and adequate inventory of materials.
• Perform general maintenance to ensure assigned areas and equipment are maintained
• Maintain a clean, orderly work area by dispose of lab waste and chemical waste as appropriate
• Prepare buffers and reagents
• Reorder of lab supplies and restocking work areas as required
• Follow EH&S protocols and procedures to ensure compliance
• Keep informed of new developments and technical advances

EXPERIENCE

Required

• No professional experience required with relevant Bachelor's degree or above

Preferred

• Prior hand-on experience with sequencing platforms (including DNA and RNA library preparation, sample quantification & preparation, and sequencer operation);
• Demonstrated experience with overseeing general lab maintenance.
• Prior experience working in core facility environment

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, cell biology, or Genetics or related discipline, or equivalent.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required 

• Practical and theoretical knowledge of biological sciences (particularly cell and molecular biology and genetics)
• Able to modify or adapt standard procedures to meet the needs of specific research projects
• Ability to solve challenging problems on a daily basis
• Proven organizational and time management skills to successfully set priorities, meet established deadlines, multi-task projects, adjust to changing priorities and recognize new problems with constantly changing priorities and frequent interruptions
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment; ability to read, comprehend, and discuss research materials
• Skills utilizing sound judgment, tact and a recognition of situations requiring confidentiality
• Ability to diplomatically and professionally interact with all levels of Institute staff and external contacts
• Knowledge of standard laboratory and safety procedures
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with PC and MAC operating systems, standard business office equipment and commonly used software and tools, such as Microsoft Office, electronic mail, and the internet.

Preferred

• Knowledge of molecular biology equipment and procedures (including RNA and DNA preparation, RNA and DNA quantification, hybridization, PCR, quantitative PCR)
• Knowledge in next generation sequencing

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be willing to work in an animal-related research environment.
• Must be willing to work an adjusted schedule to support research needs.
• Successful completion of the Institute's background investigation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires constant adjusting focus, seeing, sitting, touching/feeling, analyzing, calculating, reading, and working inside.