Molecular Biology Lab Research Associate

The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, CA is seeking a Staff Research Associate to provide technical and operational support for biomedical research studies. You will assist with molecular biology, protein analysis, cell culture, and specimen-processing activities while maintaining data and documentation and upholding safety standards.

Under supervision of senior staff, you will follow established protocols, support data organization, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a closely related scientific field.
• Minimum of one year of research laboratory experience, including academic, internship, or industry-based lab experience.
• Foundational knowledge of molecular biology principles and laboratory techniques.
• Experience with laboratory documentation, data entry, and organization of research records.
• Experience handling biological samples in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior laboratory staff with molecular biology, protein, and cellular assays according to established protocols.
• Prepare samples, reagents, and materials necessary for laboratory experiments and research studies.
• Perform routine molecular biology procedures, including PCR setup, nucleic acid preparation, and related laboratory techniques.
• Support immunostaining, protein-based assays, and associated laboratory procedures.
• Assist with maintenance and expansion of mammalian cell cultures following laboratory protocols and quality standards.
• Receive, process, label, organize, and track human specimens and research samples in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, databases, and research documentation.
• Organize, enter, and verify research data to support study reporting, analysis, and publication activities.
• Assist with next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows and related laboratory procedures, as assigned.
• Operate laboratory equipment and report equipment issues or technical concerns to senior laboratory personnel.
• Monitor laboratory inventory, stock supplies, and assist with ordering laboratory materials and reagents.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures, biosafety requirements, and institutional policies.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, training activities, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of laboratory operations and research program objectives.

Skills

Molecular biology knowledge

Laboratory documentation

Cell culture

Data organization

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data management tools

Job description

The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, CA is seeking a Staff Research Associate to provide technical and operational support for biomedical research studies. You will assist with molecular biology, protein analysis, cell culture, and specimen-processing activities while maintaining data and documentation and upholding safety standards.

Under supervision of senior staff, you will follow established protocols, support data organization, and