Staff Research Associate I-SRA1

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

ABOUT US

The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (TLI) is Los Angeles County's preeminent independent, not-for-profit biomedical research hub, excelling in transforming scientific breakthroughs into practical therapies. With a $90 million annual budget, TLI is home to over 150 investigators and 500 staff, advancing 600 projects in areas such as Infection and Immunity, Cancer, and Women's Health. Founded in 1952, the Institute continues to train physician-scientists and manage healthcare programs for 60,000 underserved families throughout South Los Angeles.

SUMMARY

The Staff Research Associate provides technical and operational support for biomedical research studies and laboratory activities. Working under the direction of senior laboratory personnel, this position assists with molecular biology, protein analysis, cell culture, and specimen-processing activities; supports data organization and documentation; and helps maintain efficient laboratory operations. The role requires a foundational understanding of biological sciences, particularly molecular biology, and the ability to follow established laboratory protocols while contributing to high-quality research activities.

DUTIES AND 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.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree (BS or BA) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a closely related scientific field required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of one (1) year of research laboratory experience, which may include academic, internship, or industry-based laboratory experience.
• Foundational knowledge of molecular biology principles and laboratory techniques.
• Experience performing or assisting with molecular and/or protein-based assays.
• Experience with laboratory documentation, data entry, and organization of research records.
• Experience handling biological samples in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to follow detailed laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently on routine tasks while seeking guidance when appropriate.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and basic data management tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with PCR setup, DNA/RNA extraction, or related molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with immunostaining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, or protein-based assays.
• Experience culturing mammalian cell lines.
• Experience working with human specimens in a research or clinical laboratory setting.
• Exposure to next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays or genomics-based laboratory techniques.
• Coursework or research experience in molecular biology, cancer biology, genetics, immunology, or related disciplines.

BACKGROUND AND HEALTH CLEARANCE REQUIRED

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE