RESEARCH TECHNICIAN - Liu lab

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Research Technician

POSITION SUMMARY:

Research Technician positions are available in the Liu Lab at Scripps Research. We are a new lab in the Department of Chemistry starting immediately and are seeking highly motivated full-time Research Technicians. A strong background in molecular biology, chemistry, or chemical/biomolecular engineering is required.

We are broadly interested in using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to transform microorganisms into programmable platforms capable of producing entire families of complex, high-value molecules that are inaccessible through traditional discovery or synthesis. A major focus is on reconstructing, redesigning, and evolving multi-enzyme systems in engineered hosts such as yeast and E. coli to uncover biosynthetic logic and generate fundamentally new peptide scaffolds. This work integrates pathway refactoring, enzyme engineering, strain optimization, and high-throughput analytical chemistry.

Our long-term vision is to build a platform that makes antibiotic discovery programmable to enable rapid access to diverse, next-generation peptide antibiotics to address antimicrobial resistance and unlock new therapeutic opportunities.

Find out more from our group website: https://www.liulabscripps.com/

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Perform research and conduct a wide variety of standard laboratory techniques of synthetic biology (polymerase chain reaction, molecular cloning, DNA sequencing) for projects independently and in collaboration with others.
• Record and analyze data, and interpret results.
• Investigate, troubleshoot and modify methods and procedures as necessary.
• Provide routine equipment maintenance, as well as guidance/training to other department personnel.
• Perform other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other relevant scientific discipline with one year minimum of related experience.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Sc. or B.A. in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related field.
• Understanding of DNAs and proteins.
• Prior hands-on experience with DNA or protein purification, molecular biology, bacterial genetics, and assay development are preferred, but any exceptionally creative and driven individual will be thoroughly considered.
• Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, interperetation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $18.67 to $24 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• 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 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.