Research Associate I - Molecular Diagnostics & Experimental Therapeutics

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.

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

The individual will perform Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics techniques and general lab maintenance that assists the conduction of an Investigator's Research Project. They must demonstrate an aptitude for acquiring knowledge and new skills that relate to Cancer.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Utilizing laboratory equipment and established protocols, performs a variety of research experiments. Records and validates results for accuracy and completeness.
• May modify protocols.
• Write standard operating procedures and reports.
• Maintains records of work performed including results and methodology; utilizing records may calculate, graph and compile data.
• Develops techniques and expertise in one or more areas relevant to laboratory research project.
• Ensures that all laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with safety procedures and guidelines in handling, storage and disposal of materials.

Qualifications
Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

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

Preferred education, experience and skills:

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences and 1+ years of research/laboratory experience.

Additional Information:

• For more information about the groundbreaking research taking place in the Ajay Goel, Ph.D lab, please visit www.cityofhope.org/mdet .
• When applying, please include 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.
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