Research Assistant Job at Scripps Research | Apply Now
Looking for a research assistant job in the USA? This opportunity at Scripps Research offers a dynamic role combining laboratory operations and clinical research execution. Ideal for biology graduates and early-career researchers, this position provides hands-on experience in translational medicine and clinical studies, making it a valuable step for those exploring jobs in the US within life sciences.
- Job Position: Research Assistant I – Clinical
- Location: San Diego, California, USA (CA Campus)
- Job ID:Â RESEA004837
About the Company
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. Their programs shape talented students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists, contributing significantly to translational sciences and biomedical innovation.
Research Assistant Job Description
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.
Qualifications
Research Assistant Job applicants must have:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, 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.
- Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment (pipettes, centrifuges, microscopes, biosafety cabinets).
- Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to follow protocols accurately.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
- Comfort with electronic data systems; experience with EDC platforms preferred but not required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Willingness to undergo GCP, HIPAA, and human subjects research training.
Preferred
- Prior experience in a clinical research setting.
- Coursework or experience in IBD, GI, regenerative medicine, or related fields.
- Familiarity with REDCap or similar platforms.
- Phlebotomy certification or specimen-handling training.
Key Responsibilities – Research Assistant Job
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.
