Research Lab Technician II

Job Title

Research Lab Technician II

DOE, $71,510-$91,780 along with bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package

Los Angeles, CA

Formerly known as the Ellison Institute of Technology Los Angeles, the Ellison Medical Institute strives to spark innovation, leverage technology, and drive interdisciplinary, patient‑centered research to continually enhance health, reimagine and redefine cancer care, and transform lives.

Established in 2016 as a medical research and development center, the Institute features innovation labs for artificial intelligence and molecular analytics and was among the first organizations to vertically integrate the interdisciplinary study and treatment of disease. We offer multifaceted programs, including a preventative medicine and cancer clinic, cross‑disciplinary research laboratories, a health policy think‑tank, and community outreach and educational programs.

The Ellison Medical Institute is seeking a motivated, proactive, and detail‑oriented Research Lab Technician II to join our Cell Line Team, part of our Research Operations Department. This role has the primary purpose of expanding and maintaining EMI’s cell line biobank along with developing and conducting in vitro assays to support the Institute’s novel cancer therapeutics drug discovery pipeline under the directive of the Cell Line Team Manager.

With 1–2 years of relevant experience, the Research Lab Technician II will perform quality control measures and characterization on all new cell lines entering or generated at the Institute including primary 3D organoid cultures, assist with method development, conduct drug response assays, write relevant SOPs, and track activities in an electronic lab notebook. The ideal candidate brings thoughtfulness and initiative to their work, thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment, and consistently delivers high‑quality results on time in support of the Institute’s mission and values.

• Be a Part of a Dynamic Team that Supports Multiple Research Programs: Cell Line Team is a trusted and dependable resource for researchers across EMI. It balances robust productivity with high team morale.
• Advance Your Laboratory Research Experience in a Mission‑Driven Setting: Build skills across cell culture and model development, in vitro assay optimization, and scientific communication in an environment where innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration are central to advancing healthcare and cancer research.
• Work at the Forefront of Technology: Research projects incorporate advanced microphysiological systems and discoveries guided by artificial intelligence.

• Expand and Maintain Cell Line Biobank: Involves handling 2D and 3D cell cultures from external and commercial sources, generating new primary tissue‑derived cell lines, and keeping thorough records.
• Assist with Method Optimization: Methods include cell line generation, cell function, and cell type characterization.
• Execute in vitro Assays: Independently perform non‑routine and complex research laboratory procedures and techniques.
• Support Projects Across the Institute: Work collaboratively with clinical research, microscopy, drug discovery and data analytics teams in support of cross‑functional institute alignment.
• Establish and Maintain Standard Operating Procedures: Author and maintain SOPs as new methods and assays are developed.
• Participate in Team and Project Meetings: Compile results and present to colleagues to foster collaboration and drive progress.
• Utilize a Laboratory Information Management System and an Electronic Lab Notebook: A state‑of‑the‑art system allows convenient inventory‑tracking and documenting of tasks and experiments.

• Required
  
  Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related life sciences field.
• Required Experience: 1‑2 years of cell culture experience, 1‑2 years of research lab experience.
• Required Skills: Experience in 2D and 3D cell culture; ability to read and understand scientific literature to adapt/modify/optimize methods; organization and record keeping abilities; efficient time…