Laboratory Technician I - Laboratory Of Dr. Aga Kendrick

As a Lab Technician I, this position will be supporting the Laboratory of Dr. Aga Kendrick where they will focus on research support related to how cytoskeletal motor protein complexes are regulated using biochemical and cell biology approaches.

The Lab Technician will work closely alongside the Principal Investigator 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 Principal Investigator and ensuring precise execution, documentation, and organization of experimental procedures and outcomes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive, label, and record incoming samples, ensuring proper documentation and protocol adherence.
• Prepare samples for analysis, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Perform molecular biology experiments, including PCR, transformations, plasmid preparations, and gel electrophoresis.
• Perform various biochemistry experiments, including protein expression and purification, western blotting, and protein-protein binding assays.
• Conduct basic tests and measurements under the guidance of the Principal Investigator or other lab members.
• Assist in the maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Report any malfunctioning equipment or potential safety hazards promptly to the supervisor.
• 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.
• Computer skills required: (Select all applicable): Accounting Software; Contract Management Systems; Development Software; Human Resource Systems; Inventory Software; Microsoft Office; Payroll Systems; Project Management Software)
• Other skills required:

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.
• 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.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• 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.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

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:

• Frequently required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Occasionally required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Occasionally required to taste or smell
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally work in high, precarious places
• Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
• Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions
• Occasionally exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• Occasionally exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, continually lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and 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.