Principal Investigator, Lali Medina-Kauwe, PhD, is looking for a Research Associate to join the team!

When the work you do every single day has a crucial impact on the lives of others, every effort, every detail, and every second matters. This shared culture of happiness, passion, and dedication pulses through Cedars-Sinai, and it’s just one of the many reasons why we rank as one of the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

The Medina-Kauwe Laboratory, led by Lali Medina-Kauwe, PhD, utilizes the cell binding, membrane penetration and intracellular trafficking functions of pathogen proteins to develop novel cell-targeted nanotherapeutics. Currently, the lab studies the cell entry processes of adenovirus (Ad) capsid proteins to guide the design and engineering of non-viral nanoparticles that mimic the high efficiency cell entry mechanism of the virus while avoiding the safety concerns associated with using whole viruses for therapy. The Medina-Kauwe Laboratory has further enhanced these molecules by converting them into molecular missiles to target specific cancer cells for destruction while sparing non-target cells. To learn more, please visit Medina Kauwe Research Lab | Cedars-Sinai.

Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate I performs a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of one or more laboratory research projects in a specific area of research. Assists in general laboratory activities, including maintenance of reagents and stocking of supplies. Files and monitors documents. Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results. Assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery. Observes safety standards and procedures. The Research Associate I will be able to perform routine cellular, micro- and molecular biology procedures including, but not limited to Western, Northern blot, DNA/RNA, PCR, protein extraction, cell culture, Immunohistochemistry, and staining. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a variety of routine laboratory tasks and procedures.
• May assist with animal husbandry.
• Maintains lab equipment and related records.
• Transports, processes and logs samples.
• Maintains computer database with relevant clinical information.
• Performs lab maintenance duties, including glassware cleaning and sterilization.
• Maintains stocks of general lab materials, and places orders for lab equipment and supplies.
• Assists new students and fellows at the laboratory.
• Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field is required.

Experience and Skills:

• One (1) year of research laboratory experience is preferred. Understanding of general research objectives.
• Working knowledge of database management, personal computers, and presentation and imaging software.
• Familiar with routine laboratory procedures and experimental protocols.
• Must possess computer skills to include, but not limited to, Excel and Word.