Laboratory Research Associate

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is seeking a Laboratory Research Associate to support animal colony operations and bench work in a translational cancer research program.

The role balances animal welfare, breeding management, and routine cancer research procedures including cell culture, PCR-based genotyping, and RNA/DNA/protein analyses. The successful candidate will handle small rodents, maintain cancer cell lines, perform SOP-driven experiments, and ensure compliance with

Qualifications

• B.S. or Associate degree in Biology, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related life science field.
• Direct experience handling small rodents and mammalian cell culture.
• Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques and data management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee weaning and breeding records to ensure line sustainability.
• Assist with tail/ear snipping, injections, oral gavage, and tissue harvesting.
• Perform genotyping and maintain animal strain databases.
• Maintain cancer cell lines under sterile conditions and perform viability assays.
• Conduct RNA/DNA/protein extractions, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting.
• Assist with in vitro drug treatment experiments and data collection.
• Isolate and characterize extracellular vesicles/exosomes under supervision.
• Adhere to IACUC protocols and biosafety guidelines.

Skills

Small rodent handling

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

PCR & genotyping

Data management

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Biology or related life science

Tools

PCR

Western blot

qRT-PCR

Job description

Job Category: Life, Physical and Social Science Occupations

Requisition Number: LABOR001460

• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
1731 E. 120th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA

Description

Job Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Qiongyu Hao, the Laboratory Research Associate supports both the animal colony operations and the routine bench work of the laboratory's translational cancer research program. The successful candidate divides time between ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and breeding management and performing routine cancer research procedures, including cell culture, molecular biology assays, and drug treatment/functional assays. This role is essential to maintaining the integrity and consistency of the laboratory's scientific output across both the in vivo and in vitro arms of the research program, which spans exosome biology, cancer metabolism, and small-molecule drug discovery in breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee weaning and maintain accurate breeding records to ensure line sustainability.
• Assist research staff with experimental procedures such as tail/ear snipping for DNA collection, injections (IP, SC), oral gavage, and tissue harvesting.
• Perform routine PCR-based genotyping and maintain a digital database of animal strains and genetic statuses.
• Conduct health checks and clinical observations; report any abnormalities or welfare concerns to the Principal Investigator and veterinary staff immediately.
• Maintain and passage cancer cell lines (e.g., TNBC, AML) under sterile conditions; perform routine cell counting, viability assays, and cryopreservation.
• Perform routine RNA/DNA/protein extraction, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting to support ongoing cancer research projects.
• Assist with in vitro drug treatment experiments, proliferation/apoptosis assays, and routine data collection.
• Assist with routine isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles/exosomes using established core platforms, under supervision.
• Ensure all activities strictly adhere to IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) protocols and institutional biosafety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, monitor room parameters (temperature/humidity), and ensure all surgical and procedural equipment is sterilized.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory reagents, chemicals, and supplies needed for ongoing studies.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

EDUCATION:

• B.S. or Associate degree in Biology, Animal Science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science field.

EXPERIENCE:

• Direct experience handling and restraining small rodents.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture (cancer cell lines preferred) and standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western blot, ELISA).
• Proficiency in basic laboratory math and digital record-keeping.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques is highly preferred.
• Prior experience with in vivo animal models (mouse/rat) is a plus.
• Prior experience with extracellular vesicle/exosome isolation or characterization is advantageous but not required.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY/SKILLS:

• Exceptional reliability and punctuality, as consistent care is critical for animal welfare.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with diverse research teams.
• Ability to follow complex Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with high precision.
• Able to troubleshoot and resolve routine technical difficulties.
• Committed to supporting a translational Cancer Research program.

COMPLEXITY:

• The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent handling of small animals, standing, and walking. Constant sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, including animal facility and standard wet-laboratory settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

• The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent work on a variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating, interrupted work, work on a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
• The ideal candidate will be seeking a career supporting translational Cancer Research and able to make a long-term commitment.

Compensation:

• $70,340 - $93,468

Position Status:

• Full Time, Exempt

EEO Statement:Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.

Fair Chance Statement:Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Biology or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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