Laboratory Technician I - Laboratory of Dr. Lena Mueller
Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Job location is at 10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Note: this is a Part Time position. 

With the guidance and direction from senior level lab staff, the Lab Technician I position is responsible to perform tasks and experiments in support of academic research projects. Responsibilities may include preparation of solutions, media, and plant growth substrates, maintaining lab supplies, DNA extraction, genotyping and phenotyping plants, and/or molecular cloning. May also be involved in analysis of plant-fungal interactions using fluorescence microscopy.

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

• Growing and maintaining plant lines.
• Inoculation of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
• DNA extraction from plants and/or bacteria.
• Prepare standard media and solutions.
• Perform weekly inventory of lab supplies, re-stock supplies as needed.
• Stock and organize incoming lab supplies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What we Require

• No experience required.
• High School Diploma or equivalent work experience 

Preferred: 

• Understands operation of basic lab equipment.
• Ability to perform routine, repetitive functions.
• After initial instruction, ability to follow directions and perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to communicate required information and keep accurate records of work performed.
• Proven ability to work both independently and also as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups. Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with personnel at all levels.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $16.85to $17.00 hourly. 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.