Find the cures you know are out there. At UCLA Health, you make it happen as part of a groundbreaking Research team, working to understand hundreds of medical disorders and improving processes for dozens of procedures across the globe.
The laboratory is dedicated to developing innovative cancer immunotherapies and is seeking a Staff Research Associate 2 to support both cutting-edge research and daily laboratory operations. This role will contribute to a variety of molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology studies, including cell culture, molecular cloning, flow cytometry, immune cell-based assays, and the isolation of cells from human blood and tissue samples. The position will play a key role in complex immunotherapy studies and in vivo T cell immunotherapy experiments utilizing the lab’s novel induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and T cell engineering platforms. A significant component of the role involves conducting mouse studies to model human immune responses, requiring hands-on experience with in vivo tumor models, immune assays, tumor and treatment injections, animal colony management, and related research techniques.
In addition to research responsibilities, the Staff Research Associate 2 will help maintain efficient laboratory operations by managing equipment and critical resources, monitoring laboratory inventory, placing and tracking orders, and supporting overall lab organization and maintenance. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, maintain meticulous records, and apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced research environment. Success in this role requires excellent teamwork, communication, and organizational skills, a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive laboratory culture, and a willingness to assist with training laboratory members at all levels, including volunteers. Reliability, accountability, adaptability, and references from prior research experience are required.
Salary Range: $32.79 – $52.75 Hourly
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 2+ years’ experience in molecular and cell biology, immunology, or related area.
- 1+ years’ experience with mouse in vivo experimental models (especially mouse tumor/treatment tail vein injections and tissue harvesting)
- Knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, and basic immunology principles.
- Hands-on experience with standard laboratory techniques (e.g., cell culture, molecular cloning, flow cytometry).
- Demonstrated experience with mouse experiments (e.g., handling, basic procedures, experimental procedures including tail vein injections).
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to troubleshoot experiments and solve technical problems.
- Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and following protocols.
- Ability to train and supervise students or junior lab members.
- Experience with primary human cell isolation from blood or tissue samples.
- Experience with advanced mouse techniques (e.g., tumor models, immune assays, injections, colony management).
Preferred:
- Familiarity with flow cytometry data analysis software.
- Experience with laboratory management tasks (inventory systems, ordering, equipment maintenance)
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, including but not limited to those outlined above.
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