Postdoctoral Scientist - Heart Institute - Ciullo Lab

Cedars-Sinai; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the laboratory of Dr. Alessandra Ciullo in the Smidt Heart Institute.

The role focuses on extracellular vesicles and small non-coding RNA, working with a multidisciplinary team to advance heart disease research. Under supervision of the PI and research team, you will design experiments, implement new techniques, and contribute to data analysis, publications, and presentations as part of a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in field related to research specialization.
• Ability to work independently on mentor-designed projects.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in grant proposals and publications.
• Design and perform experiments under PI direction.
• Maintain records and analyze results with PI.
• Develop new research techniques and protocols.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Independent work

Data analysis

Lab techniques

Safety standards

Education

Doctorate degree in related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment operation

Job description

Job Description

Grow your career at Cedars-Sinai!

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been named to the Honor Roll in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2025-2026” rankings. When you join our team, you’ll have access to groundbreaking biomedical research facilities and world-class medical education programs. We take pride in hiring exceptional, dedicated professionals who are passionate about advancing healthcare. Our physicians, nurses, and staff reflect the culturally and ethnically diverse communities we serve and are united by a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we foster a dynamic, inclusive environment that drives innovation and supports the gold standard of patient care.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

The Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the laboratory of Dr. Alessandra Ciullo. Under the direction of Dr. Ciullo and her research team, the Postdoctoral Researcher will support research focused on extracellular vesicles and small non-coding RNA.

The Smidt Heart Institute reflects Cedars-Sinai’s steadfast dedication to heart disease and research innovation, giving patients access to the highest level of care. Year after year, thousands of people trust their hearts to the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and niche care teams treat the full spectrum of heart disease and disorders, while our investigators continue to advance the field through groundbreaking, life‑saving research. From genetic counseling and targeted drug therapies to a growing array of minimally invasive procedures, Cedars‑Sinai continues to stand at the forefront of technology, innovation, and discovery, improving patient outcomes.

What will you be doing in this role?

Working independently but in close cooperation and consultation with Dr. Ciullo, Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiology, and other research scientists, the Postdoctoral Researcher will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period. The Postdoctoral Researcher will design and perform experiments; develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols; and analyze, interpret, summarize, and compile data.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work efficiently and cooperatively with a multidisciplinary team that includes faculty, research associates, technicians, and students. Additional responsibilities may include participating in research and academic meetings; performing calculations; tabulating data; summarizing methods and results from related experiments; assisting with grant proposal preparation; and participating in publications and presentations as an author or co‑author.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• May assist in the preparation of grant proposals and may develop grant proposals independently or collaboratively with department directors and other faculty; however, the Postdoctoral Researcher is not responsible for generating grant funds.
• May participate in publications and presentations as an author or co‑author.
• Designs and performs experiments under the direction of the Principal Investigator and research team.
• Keeps appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyzes results in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Develops, adapts, and implements new research techniques and protocols.
• Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period.
• Analyzes, interprets, summarizes, and compiles data, including performing calculations and tabulating results.
• Summarizes methods and results from related experiments.
• Participates in research and academic meetings.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Functions efficiently and cooperatively as part of a team of faculty, research associates, technicians, and students.
• May observe MD‑patient or MD‑human research subject interactions as they pertain directly to the research being performed.

Qualifications

Education:

• Doctorate Degree in area directly related to field of research specialization is required.

Experience and Skills:

• No experience required. Acquires thorough technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and objectives during a one to five (1-5) year post‑doctoral appointment.
• Works independently on research projects designed by a mentor (typically the PI) within area of specialization.
• Demonstrated aptitude to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection, and analysis and operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.
• Knowledge of safety standards and maintenance of specialized equipment.