Staff Research Associate III - OBGYN

UCLA Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Health GO Discovery Lab in Los Angeles seeks a full-time Staff Research Associate III to advance molecular cancer research under Dr. Memarzadeh.

You will work with cell lines, animal models, and human samples, performing assays to understand epithelial cancer formation and treatment strategies. You will also help manage lab operations, including supply ordering, equipment upkeep, and coordinating general lab support activities, while staying current with literature and collaborating across

Qualifications

• Required: knowledge of laboratory equipment and safety; cell biology and experience with human cells or patient samples; molecular biology techniques; tissue collection; understanding of consent forms.
• Preferred: UCLA policies; ability to coordinate meetings; strong English communication; ability to manage labs and documents.

Responsibilities

• Work with cell lines, animal models, viruses, DNA, RNA, and proteins to study gynecologic cancers.
• Design, optimize, and perform protocols bridging disciplines at the lab level.
• Contribute to lab management: supply ordering, equipment upkeep, and general lab support.
• Assist with obtaining and processing human samples from operating rooms.

Skills

Lab safety knowledge

Cell biology experience

Molecular biology techniques

Tissue sample handling

Verbal & written English communication

Organization & multitasking

Data analysis software (ImageJ, Prism)

Laboratory equipment operation

Confidential information handling

Self-motivation with minimal supervise

Education

Master’s of Science degree in a life/biomedical science discipline, PhD degree preferred

Tools

ImageJ

FlowJo

Prism

BioRender

Job description

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, hours may vary.

Posted Date

11/02/2026

Salary Range: $36.13 - 58.11 Hourly

Employment Type

Duration

Indefinite

Job #

33824

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The research lab of Sanaz Memarzadeh, MD, PhD, focuses on understanding the molecular basis of the formation, progression and treatment of gynecologic epithelial cancers. The Gynecologic Oncology (GO) Discovery lab (godiscoverylab.com) investigates the molecular pathways in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian and aggressive endometrial tumor cells that are candidates for therapeutic intervention via small molecule inhibitors and/or immunotherapy. Knowledge gained from this translational research will then be used to design and test strategies for cancer therapeutics that will move onto clinical trials.

Dr. Memarzadeh and the GO Discovery Lab (godiscoverylab.com) are seeking a full-time Staff Research Associate III to join their team. As a member of our cutting edge gynecologic oncology research laboratory (G.O. Discovery Lab), you’ll under the mentorship of Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh to focus on determining the molecular basis of epithelial cancer formation, progression and treatment. More specifically, you will work with cell lines, animal models, viruses, DNA, RNA , proteins, and other diagnostic and functional assays towards understanding the molecular, cellular and genetic events involved in the formation and progression of gynecologic diseases. You design, optimize and perform procedures and protocols that cross and connect scientific disciplines at the fully operational level. You will also consult with Dr, Memarzadeh and scientific literature to find and bring new ideas to the lab. Additional responsibilities will include also taking on a portion of the lab management duties, including supply management, ordering and equipment upkeep, and coordinate general lab support activities. You will also help obtain and process human samples from operating rooms at UCLA.

Hourly salary range: $36.13 - $58.10. The department’s target hourly rate is $36.13.

Job Qualifications

Required:

• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and safety
• Knowledge of cell biology and previous experience working with human cells, preferably primary patient samples
• Knowledge in molecular biology and laboratory experiments
• Knowledge of specimens and tissue collection
• Knowledge of consent form
• Excellent skill in verbal and written communication. Proper utilization of English in the written word and conversation.
• Skill in tact and diplomacy
• Skill in working with disparate faculty
• Knowledge of contract and grant application process
• Skill in organizing and coordinating meetings
• Advanced skill and knowledge of computer applications including those for imaging, data analysis and manuscript figures (ImageJ, FloJo, Prism, Biorender, etc.)
• Ability to be self-motivated, minimal supervision, handle multi-tasks and prioritize workload
• Ability to handle sensitive & confidential information
• Ability to operate various office equipment, Ability to setup and maintain filing system and office supplies
• Ability to read and understand scientific publications, judge them based scientific merit, technical innovation and relevance to lab projects
• Master’s of Science degree in a life/biomedical science discipline, PhD degree preferred

Preferred:

Knowledge of UCLA Policies and procedures

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.