Research Associate – Pirrotte Laboratory

City of Hope; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

TGen, the Translational Genomics Research Institute, part of City of Hope, seeks a Research Associate to support wet-lab operations and multi-omic analyses in a translational research setting. You will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge mass spectrometry technology.

The role emphasizes instrument handling, method development, QC, and collaborative data reporting in an on-site lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience through academic, research, internship, or professional experience.
• Experience with basic molecular biology, biochemistry, or protein laboratory techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Ability to follow established protocols while recognizing and communicating unexpected results or issues.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work on-site in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Process biological specimens for LC-MS/MS analysis and related preparation.
• Perform metabolite and lipid extraction for metabolomics and lipidomics.
• Operate liquid handling robotics (e.g., Tecan) for automated sample processing.
• Familiarity with DNA and RNA isolation, PCR amplification and sequencing.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain high‑resolution mass spectrometers and UHPLC systems.
• Assist in raw data handling, data integration, and report preparation.
• Assist in developing targeted and discovery proteomics/metabolomics methods; perform QC.
• Maintain notebook records and update SOPs for reproducibility.
• Manage inventory and storage; monitor sample intake and freezer logs.
• Ensure lab safety and overall organization; summarize findings for meetings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Documentation skills

Time management

Communication skills

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Tools

Tecan robotics

LC-MS instruments

UHPLC systems

Job description

TGen, the Translational Genomics Research Institute, a part of City of Hope, is an Arizona-based, nonprofit medical research institute dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life-changing results. We work to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, infectious disease, and rare childhood disorders. By identifying treatment options in this manner, we believe medicine becomes more rational, more precise and, well, more personal.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our team. The successful candidate will support primarily wet-lab operations, instrument handling, and multi-omic data analysis in a collaborative, translational research environment, with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge mass spectrometry technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Sample Preparation & Processing:
  • Process biological specimens (plasma, CSF, tissues, cellular lysates) for LC-MS/MS analysis, including protein extraction, protein estimation (e.g., BCA, Bradford), SDS-PAGE, and enzymatic digestion, enrichment, and cleanup techniques (e.g., SPE, S-Trap, SP3).
  • Perform metabolite and lipid extraction using solvent-based methods, along with for metabolomics and lipidomics, and quantitative analytical workflows.
  • Operate liquid handling robotics (e.g., Tecan) for automated sample processing, training provided for candidates without prior experience.
  • Familiarity with DNA and RNA isolation, PCR amplification and sequencing.
• LC-MS Operation & Maintenance:
  • Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on high-resolution mass spectrometers (e.g., QQQ) and UHPLC chromatographic systems.
  • Assist in raw data handling, data integration and report preparation.
  • Prior LC-MS experience preferred but not required for motivated candidates willing to learn.
• Method Development & Quality Control:
  • Assist in developing and optimizing targeted (SRM/PRM) and discovery (DDA/DIA) proteomics/metabolomics methods. Execute standard quality control protocols to ensure data reproducibility.
• Laboratory Management & Documentation:
  • Maintain organized laboratory notebooks and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Manage chemical and LC-MS consumable inventory, including ordering and stock tracking.
  • Oversee sample inventory and long-term storage, including sample intake, tracking, freezer logs, and organization.
  • Ensure overall wet-lab organization and compliance with lab safety guidelines.
• Collaborative Research:
  • Summarize findings, generate technical reports, and present data in internal lab meetings and collaborative discussions.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience through academic, research, internship, or professional experience.
• Experience with basic molecular biology, biochemistry, or protein laboratory techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Ability to follow established protocols while recognizing and communicating unexpected results or issues.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.
• Ability to work on-site in a laboratory environment and perform routine laboratory activities.