RESEARCH ASSISTANT I- Clinical

ABOUT US:

Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, a division of Scripps Research, is a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Calibr-Skaggs was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities.  Scripps Research is ranked one of the most influential institutions in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while re-investing in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE:  Research Assistant I- Clinical

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide hands-on support across both laboratory operations and clinical research execution. Perform routine cell culture and lab maintenance activities, assist with sample processing and documentation, and contribute to the execution of clinical research studies including data entry, regulatory documentation support, and study coordination tasks. Work under direct supervision following established protocols, with growing independence as competency develops. Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Laboratory operations:

• Perform routine cell culture under supervision, including media preparation, passaging, freezing/thawing, and basic viability assessment.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, sterility, and organization, including biosafety cabinet upkeep, autoclave operation, glassware washing, and waste management per institutional safety protocols.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and stock solutions following established protocols.
• Assist senior research staff with experimental setup, sample preparation, and basic data collection.
• Support inventory management, including reagent ordering, stocking, and tracking of consumables and biological materials.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and electronic records in accordance with institutional and regulatory documentation standards.

Clinical research support:

• Assist the clinical research team with execution of clinical studies, including subject visit preparation, sample handling, and processing per study-specific protocols.
• Perform accurate and timely data entry into electronic data capture (EDC) systems and case report forms (CRFs).
• Support source document management, regulatory binder maintenance, and chain-of-custody tracking for clinical samples.
• Assist with screening logs, enrollment tracking, and participant scheduling as needed.
• Maintain compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), HIPAA, and institutional review board (IRB) requirements under supervision.

General:

• Receive instruction and feedback on work assignments; ask appropriate questions and seek guidance when uncertain.
• Build technical proficiency over time and contribute increasingly to project planning and execution.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, public health, or related field), or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 1-3 years of laboratory or clinical research experience; recent graduates with strong academic research experience or laboratory internships will be considered.
• Candidates possessing a Master’s degree, 0-2 years experience required.
• Foundational competency in basic cell culture techniques, including aseptic technique, media preparation, and routine passaging. Hands-on coursework, undergraduate research, or internship experience is acceptable.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment (pipettes, centrifuges, microscopes, biosafety cabinets) and willingness to learn additional techniques as needed.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to follow protocols accurately.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent responsibilities across lab and clinical environments.
• Comfort with electronic data systems and basic data entry; experience with EDC platforms (Medidata, OpenClinica, REDCap, etc.) preferred but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact professionally with clinical study participants, clinicians, and research staff.
• Willingness to undergo GCP, HIPAA, and human subjects research training as required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior experience in a clinical research setting, particularly with sample collection, processing, or data entry.
• Coursework or experience in IBD, GI, regenerative medicine, or related therapeutic areas.
• Familiarity with REDCap or comparable EDC platforms.
• Phlebotomy certification or equivalent specimen-handling training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $23.31 to $25.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care).
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies.
• Free, on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees and their family members.
• Free, on-site parking. 

 The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms.  The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice.   Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. 

EEO Statement: 

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. 

Salary : $23 - $25