Research Associate I - Cellular and Molecular Biology

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope's translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope's specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation's "Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

The Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope is looking for a talented Research Associate I.This position will be in the laboratory of Dr. Helena Reijonen within the Department of Immunology and Theranostics of the Art Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute.

Dr. Reijonen's research is focused on characterization of autoimmune-mediated Type 1 Diabetes. The lab seeks to identify autoreactive T lymphocytes in the blood of individuals with T1D and to understand the specific features of these cells, how they are activated and how they can be regulated. In this regard, a primary goal of this research is to discover novel "signatures" of autoreactive T cells and pathways leading to autoimmunity. The lab also focuses on extracellular vesicles as a means of communication between immune cells and pancreatic islets. The insights gained are employed to enhance disease prediction and monitoring and evaluate effectiveness of therapy.

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, or designee, the Research Associate I (RAI) typically consults with the academic supervisor on the scope and plan of approach to a research project; organize and plan techniques; standardize new techniques and assists staff on these techniques; and prepare written reports of laboratory experimental methods. On daily basis RAI performs a variety of routine and non-routine laboratory research experiment, records and validates the methods and results for accuracy and completeness. RAI also troubleshoots procedures if experiment results are unexpected or unsatisfactory and recommends alternative procedures. RAI calculates, compiles and analyzes data obtained from work performed, and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts by describing methods, specialized techniques and prepare figures and tables on the data. RA I also keeps abreast of new and improved techniques.

Minimum Education and Skills Required for Consideration:

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences in required
• Minimum of one year research/ laboratory experience is preferred
• Laboratory based experience in cellular immunology and tissue culture is required
• Multi-parameter flow cytometry experience preferred
• Experience in laboratory- based techniques that involve measuring T cell phenotype and function preferred

Additional Information:

• As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

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.