As a Lab Technician I, this position will be supporting the laboratory of Laboratory of Dr. Gage where they will focus on research support related to the characterization of the macroautophagy process in neurons derived from human fibroblasts. It is expected that the lab technician selected for this position will assist in maintaining and expanding cell lines, fixing cells for Immunofluorescence assays, and acquiring and analyzing images through confocal microscopy. Occasional molecular biology techniques related to RNA extraction, qPCR, and maxiprep will be performed.

The Lab Technician will work closely alongside a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Gage lab, who will provide direct supervision. The role involves receiving comprehensive training in various research techniques to offer valuable research support. The Lab Technician will be responsible for conducting experiments designed by the Postdoctoral Fellow and ensuring precise execution, documentation, and organization of experimental procedures and outcomes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Tissue culture. Assist in the media preparation, maintenance, and expansion of human fibroblast and HEK293T cells.
• Assist with directly reprogramming human fibroblasts into neurons, following the procedures established in the lab. Including media preparation and coating dishes. Maintain detailed records and control of the cell lines in culture.
• Fixing cells and staining for immunofluorescence, collecting, and analyzing images using confocal microscopy. Complete the training provided by the biophotonics core in SALK is required.
• Maxiprep, RNA extraction and qPCR will be performed occasionally under the guidance of the Postdoctoral Fellow.
• Record experimental data accurately and maintain detailed laboratory records.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
• Follow laboratory policies and procedures, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Participate in safety training and maintain awareness of potential risks in the laboratory.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.
• Other skills (Preferred):
  • Prior experience or internships in a laboratory setting.
  • Prior experience with tissue culture gained for work experience.
  • Experience with confocal imaging and imaging analysis, and knowledge of immunofluorescence and microscopy techniques.
  • Proficient in the operation of standard lab equipment and computer hardware/software relevant to the position and institute.

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community - Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone's ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused, and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success, but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

The expected pay range for this position is $16.85-$17.00 per hour. 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Continually required to stand
• Continually required to walk
• Continually required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Continually required to talk or hear
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The employee must occasionally move more than 3 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, ability to adjust focus.

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

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, 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), 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.