Research Associate II – Spatial Biology (Core)

Cedars-Sinai; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedars-Sinai seeks a Research Associate II to provide critical research and operational support to the Spatial Molecular Profiling Shared Resource (SMPSR) and allied research initiatives. Working under supervision, you will perform routine and increasingly complex laboratory tasks, maintain documentation, support data for publications, and help ensure smooth operation of shared resource services.

Ideal candidates have a solid lab foundation and collaborative spirit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field (minimum).
• At least 1 year of research laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialized research services and complex protocols.
• Support workflows and operational activities for multiple investigators.
• Maintain accurate lab documentation and data for reports.
• Coordinate logistics, supplies, and scheduling.
• Train junior staff and visiting researchers on SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Laboratory techniques (general)

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Data organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology

Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology

Tools

PCR/qPCR

Library preparation

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

Job Description

The Research Associate II provides critical research and operational support to the

Job Description

The Research Associate II provides critical research and operational support to the Spatial Molecular Profiling Shared Resource (SMPSR) and contributes to departmental and institutional research initiatives. This role partners with investigators and research teams to support specialized molecular profiling workflows, perform increasingly complex experimental protocols, maintain high standards of quality and documentation, and help ensure the effective operation of shared resource services. The ideal candidate brings a strong laboratory foundation, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach, with an interest in developing expertise in spatial biology and molecular profiling technologies. 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 Associate will perform a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of laboratory research projects. The Associate will observe and comply with 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform specialized research services and increasingly complex experimental protocols.
• Support workflows and operational activities for multiple investigators and research groups.
• Conduct quality control procedures, validate experimental results, and assist with troubleshooting technical issues.
• Maintain, coordinate, and troubleshoot specialized instrumentation and equipment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, digital databases, operational records, and service-related tracking files.
• Support data organization, reporting activities, and preparation of materials for presentations or publications.
• Coordinate operational logistics, supply management, and workflow scheduling as needed.
• Train and orient junior staff, trainees, and visiting researchers on standard operating procedures and shared resource practices.
• Ensure adherence to institutional safety, regulatory, and operational compliance standards.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree Bachelors in Science Related Field - minimum
• 1 year Research laboratory experience - minimum

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• 1+ years of research laboratory experience, particularly within an academic research, biotechnology, genomics, or shared resource/core laboratory environment.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, library preparation, sequencing workflows, or related molecular assays.
• Experience or familiarity with spatial biology, spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, genomics, next-generation sequencing (NGS), or molecular profiling technologies.