La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, Onsite
Posted Monday, June 1, 2026 at 7:00 AM
The laboratory of Professor Erica Ollmann Saphire (www.lji.org/labs/saphire/) at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) is seeking a full-time Laboratory Research Technician, who will participate in novel vaccine design and therapeutic antibody discovery against pathogens that threaten global health, particularly Ebola virus and its relatives, Measles virus, and the Herpesviruses like Epstein Barr virus and Cytomegalovirus, which together cause cancers, multiple sclerosis and birth defects. Many of these viruses still lack approved therapeutics, and need novel protein designs to provide effective and broad protection. Using state-of-the-art structural biology and protein engineering, the Saphire lab has successfully developed best-in-class immunogens ad discovered exciting new antibodies. Relevant skills include molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, and familiarity with mAb discovery and analysis. The ideal candidate would be an integral part of a strong team of scientists and work in a positive environment that provides mentorship and fosters talent while encouraging growth and learning. LJI is a world-renowned institute that provides fantastic benefits and excellent support for its researchers.
Under the supervision of Ph.D. level lab scientists, the research technician will assist in performing research in protein engineering and antibody discovery. The research technician will perform a range of experiments based on established lab SOPs, including molecular cloning, tissue culture, recombinant protein and antibody expression and purification, and help to support daily lab operations. You will be fully trained on experimental SOPs and have the opportunity to provide creative contribution based on your skill level and progress.
Interested applicants please submit in a single file:
The La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) offers a collegial work environment that emphasizes collaboration, teamwork and creativity. Full-time employment at LJI includes a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision benefits, paid sick leave, and contributions to a retirement plan (403B). For the last decade, LJI has been ranked as one of the best places to work in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal. The Institute hosts world-renowned faculty and over 80 postdoctoral researchers with scientists from over 30 countries. LJI is located in the Science Research Park on the campus of UC San Diego, providing easy access to the San Diego life sciences community and all that the area has to offer.
LJI provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability status, genetics, medical conditions, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, reproductive health decisions, or pregnancy, or any other condition protected by state and local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placing, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, recalls, transfers, leaves of absences, and social and recreational programs.
La Jolla Institute is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We validate this commitment by conducting regular market analyses to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, independent research sector. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, unique skill sets, organizational need, and internal equity.
Job Function RT
Pay Type Salary
Hiring Min Rate 24.04 USD
Hiring Max Rate 40.38 USD
"Sometimes in science there are so many people trying to answer the same question that it's good to stray off in another direction," Mitchell Kronenberg, Ph.D., LJI Professor. "Taking the road less traveled can bring its voyagers to unexpected - and even groundbreaking - new territory." The La Jolla Institute The La Jolla Institute for Immunology is a non-profit medical research institute dedicated to increasing knowledge and improving human health through studies of the immune system. Our essential purpose is to expand our understanding of how the immune system works and to discover the causes of immune system disorders. The knowledge gained through our biomedical research can, in turn lead to the prevention, treatment and cure of a wide range of human diseases. What is immunology? Immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune response. The immune response is the defense system of the body carried out by white blood cells against microbial threats such as a virus infection. Since immunology has an effect on every organ system in our body, there is no biomedical discipline that has greater implications for improving human health. Where is LJI? The La Jolla Institute is located in the University of California San Diego's Science Research Park in a world-class facility covering 145,000 square feet. Our space provides an open laboratory setting that encourages La Jolla Institute for Immunology's highly collaborative research environment.
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