The Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics (Prebys Center) at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is a world-leading academic drug discovery organization and an epicenter for innovative approaches to accelerate the discovery of new drugs to help save lives and treat disease. We are a non-profit Institute dedicated to advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health.

The Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics at Sanford Burnham Prebys is seeking a Research Assistant I or II to be a contributing member of the DMPK group. The candidate will be responsible for the execution of bioassays and analysis of compounds in support of scientific activities associated with small molecule drug / probe discovery projects under the direction of their supervisor. This position is ideal for those interested in learning and using new assay methods, learning and working with delicate instrumentation (Mass Spectrometer), and applying their biology and chemistry knowledge to routine experiments that will directly impact drug discovery projects. The successful candidate will join a team involved in diverse applied research activities and will work side-by-side with experienced scientists on projects in small molecule drug discovery.

This is an exciting opportunity to directly contribute to a broad spectrum of drug discovery projects with the end goal of ultimately benefiting patients. Our portfolio includes cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular metabolic disease targets, among others. We are passionate about collaboration and work extensively with lead researchers and key opinion leaders from academia and industry. We have a cooperative open campus, located at the nexus of San Diego’s biotech community. Our portfolio includes cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging-related disease targets, among others. We are passionate about collaboration and work extensively with lead researchers and key opinion leaders from academia and industry.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Successfully performs experiments and procedures demonstrating proficiency with a range of scientific techniques.
• Routine experiments are performed with minimal or no input from supervisor.
• Supports PK/TK studies as required and as directed
• Proficient in sample preparation and mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS)
• Under mentorship of supervisor, analyzes data and troubleshoots challenging problems. Provides data interpretation and initial analysis of results. Presents results in a concise way
• Contributes to the completion of diverse tasks within laboratory procedures, practices and protocols
• Operates specialized equipment with an increasing degree of skill and able to troubleshoot straightforward problems. Once trained, independently uses automated liquid handling and LCMS
• Presents work to supervisor and lab/chemistry group meeting
• Performs searches and shares literature project-relevant information with supervisor or team as appropriate
• Accurately and consistently documents experiments in lab notebook in a timely manner
• Provides technical guidance to less experienced team members as needed
• Follows all appropriate safety protocols and takes an active role in the safely culture in the laboratory.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or pharmacology and / or related studies and 0 to one year of related experience OR equivalent education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained is required
• Knowledge of electronic lab notebooks, compound management databases is desirable
• Basic knowledge of biostatistics and analysis of biological data is preferred
• Experience in LCMS, methods of mass spectrometry, and in vitro ADME assays is a plus
• Previous experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• Possess strong technical skills in pharmacology

• Work independently as well as in a team environment

• Able to search various sources of literature

• Able to analyze and resolve commonly encountered issues

• Able to learn new software

• Proven presentation, verbal and written communication skills

• Accurately documents own experiments in lab notebook (including tables, graphs, etc.)

• Be responsible and have strong time management skills

• Possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Demonstrate professional communication and interpersonal skills

• Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, and SharePoint

• Basic knowledge of data visualization software such as MS Excel and GraphPad Prism is preferred

• Embody the Institute’s core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Required

Compensation:

The expected hiring range for this position is $40,000 - $60,000, commensurate with skills and experience.

Sanford Burnham Prebys is an Equal Opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as designated by federal, state or local law. For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.