Principal Investigator, Lali Medina-Kauwe, PhD, is looking for a Research Associate to join the team!

When the work you do every single day has a crucial impact on the lives of others, every effort, every detail, and every second matters. This shared culture of happiness, passion, and dedication pulses through Cedars-Sinai, and it’s just one of the many reasons why we rank as one of the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

The Medina-Kauwe Laboratory, led by Lali Medina-Kauwe, PhD, utilizes the cell binding, membrane penetration and intracellular trafficking functions of pathogen proteins to develop novel cell-targeted nanotherapeutics. Currently, the lab studies the cell entry processes of adenovirus (Ad) capsid proteins to guide the design and engineering of non-viral nanoparticles that mimic the high efficiency cell entry mechanism of the virus while avoiding the safety concerns associated with using whole viruses for therapy. The Medina-Kauwe Laboratory has further enhanced these molecules by converting them into molecular missiles to target specific cancer cells for destruction while sparing non-target cells. To learn more, please visit Medina Kauwe Research Lab | Cedars-Sinai.

Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate I performs a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of Dr. Medina-Kauwe's research lab. The RA-I assists in general laboratory activities, including maintenance of reagents and stocking of supplies, and files and monitors documents. The RA-I will be able to perform routine cellular, micro- and molecular biology procedures including, but not limited to Western, Northern blot, DNA/RNA, PCR, protein extraction, cell culture, Immunohistochemistry, and staining. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a variety of routine laboratory tasks and procedures.
• Keeps accurate and detailed project records of experiments and results.
• May assist with animal husbandry.
• Maintains lab equipment and related records.
• Transports, processes and logs samples.
• Maintains computer database with relevant clinical information.
• Performs lab maintenance duties, including glassware cleaning and sterilization.
• Maintains stocks of general lab materials, and places orders for lab equipment and supplies.
• Assists new students and fellows at the laboratory.
• Assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery.
• Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field is required.

Experience and Skills:

• Understanding of general research objectives.
• Working knowledge of database management, personal computers, and presentation and imaging software.
• Familiar with routine laboratory procedures and experimental protocols.
• Must possess computer skills to include, but not limited to, Excel and Word.