RESEARCH TECHNICIAN - Liu lab
Company: Scripps Research
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
ABOUT US: Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute
ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact
on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This
significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in
immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV),
neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla,
California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple
Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading
postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two
elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute
for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational
Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry
and computer science with translational science to produce
pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine.
Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the
frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting
human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a
difference, this could be your opportunity to join our
transformative team. POSITION TITLE: Research Technician POSITION
SUMMARY: Research Technician positions are available in the Liu Lab
at Scripps Research. We are a new lab in the Department of
Chemistry starting immediately and are seeking highly motivated
full-time Research Technicians. A strong background in molecular
biology, chemistry, or chemical/biomolecular engineering is
required. We are broadly interested in using synthetic biology and
metabolic engineering to transform microorganisms into programmable
platforms capable of producing entire families of complex,
high-value molecules that are inaccessible through traditional
discovery or synthesis. A major focus is on reconstructing,
redesigning, and evolving multi-enzyme systems in engineered hosts
such as yeast and E. coli to uncover biosynthetic logic and
generate fundamentally new peptide scaffolds. This work integrates
pathway refactoring, enzyme engineering, strain optimization, and
high-throughput analytical chemistry. Our long-term vision is to
build a platform that makes antibiotic discovery programmable to
enable rapid access to diverse, next-generation peptide antibiotics
to address antimicrobial resistance and unlock new therapeutic
opportunities. Find out more from our group website:
https://www.liulabscripps.com/ RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Perform
research and conduct a wide variety of standard laboratory
techniques of synthetic biology (polymerase chain reaction,
molecular cloning, DNA sequencing) for projects independently and
in collaboration with others. Record and analyze data, and
interpret results. Investigate, troubleshoot and modify methods and
procedures as necessary. Provide routine equipment maintenance, as
well as guidance/training to other department personnel. Perform
other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or
assigned. Details of established essential functions for this
position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
REQUIREMENTS: Requires a bachelor's degree in Chemistry,
Biochemistry, or other relevant scientific discipline with one year
minimum of related experience. PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: Sc. or B.A.
in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related field.
Understanding of DNAs and proteins. Prior hands-on experience with
DNA or protein purification, molecular biology, bacterial genetics,
and assay development are preferred, but any exceptionally creative
and driven individual will be thoroughly considered. Strong oral
and written communication, data documentation, interperetation, and
presentation skills. Ability to handle multiple projects at the
same time. Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills.
COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $18.67
to $24 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will
be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE: Employer Contributed Retirement
Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer
contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and
the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k)
using your own pre or post-tax dollars) Full Suite of Health and
Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an
HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability,
EAP and more Access to Flexible Spending Accounts
(Medical/Dependent Care) Competitive vacation and sick leave
policies Free, on-site parking The above statements describe the
level of work performed and expected in general terms. The
statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities,
duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the
content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of
Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in
this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or
to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of
Scripps Research staff. EEO Statement: The Scripps Research
Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of
thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All
qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national
origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally
protected characteristic or status.
Keywords: Scripps Research, La Mesa , RESEARCH TECHNICIAN - Liu lab, Science, Research & Development , San Diego, California
