Research Associate, Research Scientist, Clinical Research

Overview

Department Summary:

UCLA Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics (MIMG).

Position Summary:

Under supervision of the PI and senior lab members, this technical position supports research involving projects such as developing new immunotherapy against cancer, studying progression of epithelial cancer, and understanding dysregulated cell metabolism in cancer. The role includes culture and maintenance of human cell lines, human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs), electroporation, transfection, and transduction. Basic molecular biology techniques include PCR, DNA cloning, plasmid design and amplification.

In collaboration with other lab members, design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments. Collaboration with lab members and external collaborators at UCLA and nationwide is required. Short presentations at meetings, including our lab group, are required. The position may supervise undergraduate lab helpers. Good record keeping is essential. Supervision comes from the PI and senior lab members through formal and informal meetings.

Attendance at multiple meetings per week is required. Work is assigned and reviewed by the PI based on project needs, and incumbents complete ongoing tasks following established laboratory procedures.

• Culture and maintenance of human cell lines and PBMCs.
• Electroporation, transfection, and transduction.
• Perform basic molecular biology techniques: PCR, DNA cloning, plasmid design and amplification.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments in collaboration with lab members.
• Collaborate with lab members and external collaborators.
• Present at lab meetings and other forums as required.
• Supervise undergraduate lab helpers as needed.
• Maintain thorough records and follow established laboratory procedures.
• Attend multiple weekly meetings; work is assigned and reviewed by the PI.

• One year of relevant lab experience (Preferred).
• Skill in sterile techniques used in tissue cultures and bacterial cultures (Required).
• Comfort in BSL2 and BSL2+ facilities and working with BSL2/BSL2+ agents; mice experience if necessary (Required).
• Skill in purification of genomic DNA and RNA, and generation of cDNA (Required).
• Skill in priming and maintaining human immune cells (Required).
• Preparation of various stock solutions for tissue culture and molecular biology techniques (Required).
• Ability to organize ordering information, lab protocols, and stock inventories (Required).
• Ability to oversee and assess work of part-time undergraduate student assistants (Required).
• Strong written and oral communication skills to maintain lab protocols and notebooks and to prepare presentations (Required).
• Ability to prioritize assignments and manage deadlines in a fluctuating workload (Required).
• Proficiency with standard computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google apps) (Required).
• Skill in conducting basic animal experiments (Preferred).

• Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related field; or equivalent education/training (Required).

• Background Check:
  Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

RX-Research Support Professionals

Note:

This description excludes non-essential boilerplate and external job posting links. It retains the core responsibilities, qualifications, and conditions of employment as provided.