Dr. Maria Abreu is seeking a Research Associate II to join the team!

The Abreu Lab team focuses on ways to prevent and treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and inflammatory colon cancer. We seek to understand how the relationship between a patient’s immune system and their gut microbes may lead to gut inflammation or even the development of tumors. Our research also explores how the host-gut microbe relationship is influenced by environmental and genetic factors, including the impact of diet. To learn more, please visit Abreu Lab | Cedars-Sinai.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate II performs routine and increasingly complex laboratory tasks and procedures and develops technical expertise in one or more areas relevant to research projects. The Research Associate II will participate in research activities involving all aspects of the research process, to include, but not limited to; investigation, technical, testing/validation of results, and report findings. The Associate will perform a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of laboratory research projects. The Associate will observe and comply with safety standards and procedures, assist in preparation of data for publication and/or presentation at scholarly meetings, and assist in general laboratory maintenance. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a variety of increasingly complex experimental protocols and procedures and assist in the design of new complex or unusual protocols and techniques.
• Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results, and assist in identifying and troubleshooting of unexpected results.
• Orders laboratory supplies and supports laboratory operations.
• Maintains lab equipment and related records and may coordinate use of lab equipment.
• Assists in the operation of specialized equipment, as required by the area of research.
• Assists in preparation of data for publication and/or presentation at scholarly meetings.
• Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures.
• Orients research laboratory assistants or lower level research associates and undergraduate student researchers on day-to-day lab operations and routine procedures.

Department-Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist senior lab staff in conducting laboratory experiments and supporting various research tasks.
• Contribute to the planning, scheduling, and execution of experiments focused on IBD in animal models (mouse) as well as in human samples, including blood, intestinal biopsies, and stool.
• Ensure accurate documentation of experimental procedures, including wet lab records and animal colony data.
• Assist in interpreting experimental data and troubleshooting technical issues in protocol execution.
• Operate and maintain routine scientific laboratory equipment.
• Collect and process specimens from research animals, healthy human donors, and clinical patient samples.
• Perform standard immunological and molecular biology assays, including ELISA, flow cytometry, Western blot, PCR, RT-PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA isolation, protein purification, etc.
• Support scientific literature searches, maintain the laboratory bibliography, and research references to address technical challenges.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports detailing key findings for manuscript submissions, grant proposals, and presentations in laboratory meetings or other forums.
• Assist in preparing required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including grant progress reports and environmental health and safety documents.

Education:

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

Experience and Skills:

• At least one (1) year of research laboratory experience in the area of specialization. Two (2) years is highly desired.
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with the ability to multitask.
• Ability to work closely and effectively within a team environment, with the ability to work well independently on specified projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interaction with peers and other scientists in the research team as well as with the administrative team within the Center.
• Valid Driver's License Required.