Research Associate I

About City of Hope

City of Hope, an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution with over 6000 employees, is dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases and guided by a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy.

Founded in 1913 and headquartered in Duarte, California, City of Hope is a remarkable non-profit institution, where compassion and advanced care go hand-in-hand with excellence in clinical and scientific research. City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation's leading cancer centers that develops and institutes standards of care for cancer treatment.

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to work in the laboratory of Dr. Ajay Goel at the City of Hope. We are focused on understanding the interplay between genetic and epigenetic alterations in colorectal, pancreatic, gastric and esophageal cancers. Our goal is to develop novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers, as well as therapeutic targets for GI cancers. We are a multidisciplinary research group comprising of biologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists and bioinformaticians, undertaking a number of collaborative projects involving large international consortia.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Assist and preform Immunology techniques such as tissue culture, flow cytometry (analysis), and/or molecular tests, according to the Laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures. Have the ability to use all equipment and apparatus necessary for work performance. Always work according to the policies for safe Laboratory practices as established by Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope.
• Perform routine laboratory cleaning and maintenance according to Standard Operating Procedures such as using appropriate cleaners to wipe bench and hood surfaces, incubators, water baths and other equipment or apparatus. Monitor equipment for optimal performance.
• Record all experiments performed and data generated in a laboratory notebook according to the policy and procedure established by Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope.
• Attends lab meetings, read assigned literature and occasionally create presentations on his/her project at the request of the Investigator.

The projects will involve any/all of the following research focuses:

• Exploration of the role of aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (miRNA, lncRNAs, snoRNAs, piRNAs etc.) in gastrointestinal cancers.
• Establishment of innovative methodologies for the development of epigenetic and non-coding RNAs-based biomarkers for the earlier diagnosis, prognosis and predictive responses to chemotherapy in gastrointestinal neoplasia
• Understanding the genetic basis of early-onset and familial colorectal cancers
• Molecular mechanisms of cancer chemotherapy, stem cells, chemo-resistance and chemo-sensitization
• Gut microbiome and its influence on gastrointestinal cancers

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field
• 0-2 years of research/laboratory experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and strong scientific curiosity.

Additional Information:

• Your application should include the following in a single PDF:
• Curriculum Vitae and coordinates of three scientific mentors
• A cover letter highlighting your research interests, a brief statement explaining how your past research ties in with the goals of our laboratory, and future career plans.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.