Research Specialist (Dr. Asgharzadeh’s Lab)

Children's Hospital Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Hospital Los Angeles invites applications for a Research Specialist in the CBDI, focusing on immunotherapy approaches for childhood cancers. The role combines laboratory leadership, experimental research, and clinical coordination.

The ideal candidate will execute in vitro and in vivo studies, maintain regulatory compliance, manage lab operations, and support the tumor biorepository through consent, specimen procurement, and processing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related biomedical field.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and perform complex laboratory experiments independently or under faculty guidance.
• Conduct in vitro studies including cell culture, immune assays, molecular biology, and flow cytometry.
• Perform and support in vivo murine studies, including tumor implantation, treatment administration, tissue harvesting, and sample analysis.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure reproducibility and compliance with institutional standards.
• Assist in data analysis, figure preparation, and protocol optimization.

Skills

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

In vivo models

Informed consent experience

Independent worker

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related biomedical field

Job description

Research Specialist (Dr. Asgharzadeh’s Lab)

Locations:

Los Angeles, California

Job Category:

Research

Position Type:

Full-Time

Shift:

Days

Job Description

Join a team that's shaping the future of pediatric care. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is consistently ranked among the top 10 children's hospitals in the nation, delivering world-class care through more than 350 specialized programs and services. Here, world-class experts in medicine, research, and education work together to deliver family-centered care to more than 155,000 patients each year. At CHLA, your work will help build brighter tomorrows for the children and families we serve.

Overview

The Research Specialist supports and coordinates laboratory and clinical research activities within the Cancer & Blood Disease Institute (CBDI) at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The laboratory focuses on immunotherapy approaches for childhood cancers, with particular emphasis on tumor microenvironment biology and cellular therapy platforms.

This position combines responsibilities in laboratory leadership, experimental research, and clinical research coordination. The individual will execute and oversee laboratory experiments (in vitro and in vivo), maintain regulatory compliance, manage laboratory operations, and support the institute’s tumor biorepository through subject consent, specimen procurement, and processing.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, scientifically rigorous, capable of independent experimental execution, and comfortable interacting with patients and families in a clinical research setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory Research & Experimental Execution
• Design, plan, and perform complex laboratory experiments independently or under faculty guidance.
• Conduct in vitro studies including cell culture, immune assays, molecular biology, and flow cytometry.
• Perform and support in vivo murine studies, including tumor implantation, treatment administration, tissue harvesting, and sample analysis.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure reproducibility and compliance with institutional standards.
• Assist in data analysis, figure preparation, and protocol optimization.

Laboratory Leadership & Operations

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including inventory, reagent procurement, equipment maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Ensure adherence to IACUC, IRB, biosafety, and institutional research policies.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent research projects and timelines.
• Train and supervise students, research assistants, and junior personnel as needed.
• Serve as point of contact for core facilities and institutional research support offices.

Clinical Research & Biorepository Support

• Recruit research subjects for the tumor specimen repository and related translational studies.
• Obtain and document informed consent from patients and families in accordance with IRB protocols.
• Coordinate specimen collection (blood, bone marrow, tumor samples) with clinical teams.
• Maintain regulatory documentation and support audits as required.
• Provide backup coverage for clinical sample processing during high-volume periods.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related biomedical field.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated experience or willingness to learn:

• Mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques
• Flow cytometry and immunologic assays
• In vivo murine models
• Experience obtaining informed consent and interacting with patients/families in a clinical research setting.

Pay Scale Information

USD $71,760.00 - USD $71,760.00

CHLA values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates who meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates who exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs.

About Us

CHLA is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health, in our community, across the nation, and around the world . As a premier Magnet®-recognized teaching hospital, CHLA offers an environment rooted in learning, collaboration, and compassionate care. . We are home to groundbreaking research, clinical innovation, and a culture that supports personal and professional growth.

Since 1932, CHLA has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Through this partnership and our own enduring mission, we remain committed to creating hope and building healthier futures.

CHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our work matters. And so do each and every one of our valued team members. We consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other legally protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. We will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of state and local laws, including the LA City Fair Chance Ordinance and SF Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualified Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact CHLA Human Resources if you need assistance completing the application process.

Our various experiences, perspectives and backgrounds allow us to better serve our patients and create a strong community at CHLA.