A Project Scientist position is immediately available at the Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, California. The Project Scientist will be working with Dr. Pamela Maher, who combines expertise in cell culture studies of neurodegeneration with animal models relevant to aging and neurodegenerative disease. The Project Scientist will use these methodologies to pursue research questions concerning mechanisms underlying the loss of cognitive function during aging and in neurodegenerative diseases.

Project Scientists make significant contributions to a research project. The Project Scientist is expected to work independently in a support role under the general guidance of a Pl. Goals or objectives of projects are set by Pl and are accomplished within a prescribed time frame and funding parameters. The Project Scientist is required to develop a comprehensive work schedule and staffing strategy for each project phase, showcasing proficiency and achievements in the technical domain. The Project Scientist is also responsible for overseeing the scientific progress of an assigned project, including setting priorities, planning procedures, coordinating activities of team members, allocating/securing resources and equipment, recording, integrating, and reporting results of project phases and team, training team members and determining flow of activities between departments.

This is a temporary position anticipated to start 8/4/2024, and end 11/1/2024. 

Who We Are

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.

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 comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, 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

• Plans and executes project work under the general guidance of the supervisor.
• Performs hands-on work in a laboratory
• Effectively interprets scientific data, sets priorities, and makes decisions based on scientific data.
• Collaboration and coordination of project activities with other researchers in a team setting.
• Work with other team members to meet deadlines and adhere to timelines.
• Documents work progress in periodic progress reports and notebooks.
• Effectively communicates in the form of written reports and lab presentations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

• Minimum 3 years post PhD experience.
• Doctoral Degree (Ph. D.) in biological sciences or related field, or more than ten years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Tissue culture
• Advanced molecular cloning techniques
• Protein purification and analysis
• Development of high throughput screening assays including positive and negative controls
• Development and implementation of inducible protein expression systems
• Effective at troubleshooting problems with molecular cloning, protein purification, etc.
• Guide technicians and post-docs on diverse techniques
• Other skills preferred:
  • Molecular cloning into plasmids and viral vectors
  • Inducible expression systems in mammalian cells
  • Protein interaction methods and protein purification
  • DNA-protein interaction methods
  • Molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting, PCR, etc.
  • Working with cancer databases

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $76,500 to $74,256 per annum. 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, 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.