Research Associate II - Abreu Lab - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Institute

Job Description

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 incumbent will support the objectives of laboratory research projects. The Associate will observe and follow 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 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.
• 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:

• Conducts laboratory assignments, including assisting senior lab staff to carry out laboratory experiments
• Participates in the scheduling and performance of experiments related to the study of Intestinal Bowel Diseases (IBD) in animal models (mouse) and in collected human blood, intestinal biopsies, and stool samples.
• Maintains accurate experimental wet lab records and animal colony records.
• Participates in the processes of interpreting experimental data and assists in solving technical protocol execution problems.
• Operates routine scientific laboratory equipment.
• Collection and/or processing of specimens acquired from both, research animals and healthy human donors as well as clinical patient specimens.
• Performance of standard immunological techniques and molecular biology assays including: ELISA, flow cytometry, Western Blot, PCR, RT-PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA isolation, RNA isolation, protein purification, etc.
• Assists with scientific literature searches and updating of laboratory bibliography, and literature searches for references to address technical problems.
• Provides support in the preparation of reports of relevant findings in manuscripts for submission to journals, in grant proposals to funding agencies, and presentation of data in laboratory meetings and other venues.
• Provides support in preparation of required monthly/quarterly/ annual reports including: grant progress reports, environmental health and safety, etc.
  
  

Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience and Skills:

• One year of research laboratory experience in the area of specialization.
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with the ability to multitask.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interaction with peers and other scientists in the research team as well as with the administrative team within the Center.