Research Associate I - Choi Lab - Division of Rheumatology/Kao Autoimmunity Institute

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Cedars-Sinai offers scientists unparalleled access to ground breaking technologies, facilities, and resources for conducting research related to an impressive range of diseases and disorders, from cancer, cardiology, and digestive diseases, to genetics, genomics, neurosciences, and women's health. You can continue your career journey with us!

Principal Investigator, Youn Jung (Chloe) Choi, PhD, is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I with interest in fundamental lung immunology to join her team.

The Choi Lab specializes in cellular and molecular biology, with a particular emphasis on lung immunology. The research delves into the intricacies of lung-resident mast cells and alveolar macrophages, exploring their roles in the progression of inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and lung fibrosis. We center our investigations on understanding how innate immune regulators initiate cell signaling to modulate lung inflammation and fibrosis. Our comprehensive approach involves utilizing diverse cell-based assays, in vivo animal models of asthma and lung fibrosis, and translational research in lung immunology.

Current research projects include:

• Understanding lung mast cell-specific innate immune responses in chronic asthma.
• Understanding alveolar macrophage-specific innate immune responses in pulmonary fibrosis.
• Developing therapeutic inhibitors for treating inflammatory lung diseases.

The Research Associate I performs routine and increasingly complex laboratory tasks and procedures and develops technical expertise in one or more areas relevant to research projects. The incumbent assists in general laboratory activities, including maintenance of reagents, stocking of supplies, files and monitors documents, and keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results. The RA I assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery and observes safety standards and procedures. The incumbent will be able to perform routine cellular, micro- and molecular biology procedures including, but not limited to: Western blot, DNA/RNA, PCR, protein extraction, cell culture, Immunohistochemistry, and staining. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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.

Department-Specific Duties:

• Procures laboratory supplies and equipment through efficient order management.
• Acquires proficiency in the usage and maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment, identifying and communicating any needs to lab personnel.
• Assists in writing laboratory protocols, specifically biosafety and animal protocols.
• Manages the mouse colony, breeding, genotyping, and related tasks.
• Prepares commonly used experimental reagents.
• Performs laboratory techniques and procedures essential for experimental studies.
• Schedules and performs procedures and analysis necessary for project completion.
• Acquires technical lab skills related to the assigned project.
• Performs additional duties as delegated.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a Science related field is required.

Experience:

• 1 year of research laboratory experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Capability to thrive in a demanding environment and take decisive action as needed.
• Strong critical thinking skills and decisive judgment.

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