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?

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 Assistant 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.

The Meyer lab is seeking a Research Associate I to help with wet lab research projects using iPSC derived models of human neurons. Most daily tasks will involve cell culture and experimental characterization of cells. Daily activities will involve iPSC cleaning, maintenance, expansion, transfection, and differentiation. They may perform basic molecular biology experiments like cloning and plasmid purification. Experiments will also involve proteomic sample preparation. Various additional assays will be required to characterize iPSC lines and differentiated lines, such as ELISA to quantify markers and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for imaging of neuronal markers. The candidate is expected to independently perform these experiments after training. 

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 using PeopleSoft
• Assists new students and fellows at the laboratory
• Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures

Educational Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in biological sciences.

Experience and Skillset:

• Understanding of general research objectives
• Offer technical support to keep projects moving forward.
• Working knowledge of database management, personal computers, and presentations
• Familiar with routine laboratory procedures and experimental protocols.
• Must possess computer skills to include, but not limited to, Excel and Word.
• Preferred experience - Candidates who have demonstrated research experience with iPSC lines and sterile technique. This person should also take initiative to ensure the maintenance of reagents and stocking of supplies. This person will also place and track lab supply orders. May help file and monitor documents. They are expected to take an interest in how the assays and processes work and use any free time to understand the underlying biochemical processes to ensure efficient troubleshooting.

Physical Demands: 

• Lifting 50 lbs. Carrying 50 lbs. Pushing  50 lbs. Pulling 50 lbs. Reaching, Handling, Grasping, Feeling, Talking,  Hearing, Repetitive Motions, Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination