Research Assistant I - Laboratory of Dr. Wolfgang Busch
Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Job Summary

The Harnessing Plants Initiative at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies is seeking a part-time Research Assistant I to join the Busch laboratory. The candidate will have the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of plant biology, climate change and artificial intelligence. Reporting to a Scientific Programmer I, this role is focused on supporting cutting-edge research in plant science via novel software for large-scale genetic and phenotypic data management using web technologies.

This position is essential for advancing high-quality research by enhancing deep learning pipelines for robust, automated image processing, maintaining software for reproducible data analysis, and implementing data standardization to ensure reliable, consistent data insights.

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

• Software Maintenance: Manage and maintain data pipeline software while following established developer workflows. This includes updates, debugging, and testing to enhance software reliability. Test data analysis pipelines routinely to identify and resolve issues, ensuring that workflows remain efficient and error-free across operating systems and computer resources. Software is updated using version-control.
• Pipeline Operations and Troubleshooting: Run and troubleshoot data analysis pipelines effectively, ensuring smooth and accurate data processing. Familiarity with a range of analysis pipelines is essential.
• Data Labeling and Model Training: Assist with data labeling and machine learning model training, improving model accuracy and enhancing project results.
• Organizing Models and Datasets: Manage, evaluate, and organize datasets and models for efficient access and reproducibility in research.
• Bloom Application Training and Use: Utilize HPI internal Bloom software for data organization and management. Train team members on Bloom’s CLI and desktop application features to ensure data accessibility and usability.
• Data Management Oversight: Oversee data management tasks to maintain data integrity, security, and accessibility, adhering to best practices in data handling.
• Documentation Maintenance: Ensure protocols and software documentation are up-to-date and align with lab standards.
• Image Station Maintenance and Data Acquisition Standardization: Ensure imaging stations are properly maintained and that data acquisition processes follow established standards. Train and support lab members to maintain these standards across projects.
• Cross-Lab Communication: Act as a liaison with scientists across HPI, facilitating effective communication and knowledge sharing. Assist people in experimental design by providing knowledge of data analysis tools and requirements. Provide training for team members and enforce compliance with established protocols, fostering a consistent and productive lab environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What we Require

• No professional experience is required.
• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer skills required: (Development Software; Microsoft Office; Project Management Software)
• Other/Preferred skills: Basic DevOps, Git, Intermediate Python and Object-Oriented Coding, Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), Accessing network storage and on-premise compute resources, Local and cloud data management, Machine learning, Data visualization using matplotlib and seaborn, Strong interpersonal and communication skills, SQL, Database design

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $18.03 to $21.00 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. 

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.

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

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.

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