Research Associate Job at Lundquist Institute | Apply Now
A Staff Research Associate job is available at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center for individuals seeking a position as a Staff Research Associate I. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking biomedical research in Torrance, California. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.
- Job Position: Staff Research Associate
- Location: West Carson, California, USA
About The Institute
The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (TLI) is Los Angeles County’s preeminent independent, not-for-profit biomedical research hub, excelling in transforming scientific breakthroughs into practical therapies. With a $90 million annual budget, TLI is home to over 150 investigators and 500 staff, advancing 600 projects in areas such as Infection and Immunity, Cancer, and Women’s Health. Founded in 1952, the Institute continues to train physician-scientists and manage healthcare programs for 60,000 underserved families throughout South Los Angeles.
Research Associate Job Description
This Staff Research Associate job provides technical and operational support for biomedical research studies and laboratory activities. Working under the direction of senior laboratory personnel, this position assists with molecular biology, protein analysis, cell culture, and specimen-processing activities; supports data organization and documentation; and helps maintain efficient laboratory operations. The role requires a foundational understanding of biological sciences, particularly molecular biology, and the ability to follow established laboratory protocols while contributing to high-quality research activities.
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a closely related scientific field required.
Required Skills
- Minimum of one (1) year of research laboratory experience, which may include academic, internship, or industry-based laboratory experience.
- Foundational knowledge of molecular biology principles and laboratory techniques.
- Experience performing or assisting with molecular and/or protein-based assays.
- Experience with laboratory documentation, data entry, and organization of research records.
- Experience handling biological samples in a laboratory environment.
- Ability to follow detailed laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures.
Preferred
- Experience with PCR setup, DNA/RNA extraction, or related molecular biology techniques.
- Experience with immunostaining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, or protein-based assays.
- Experience culturing mammalian cell lines.
- Experience working with human specimens in a research or clinical laboratory setting.
- Exposure to next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays or genomics-based laboratory techniques.
- Coursework or research experience in molecular biology, cancer biology, genetics, immunology, or related disciplines.
Research Associate job – Key Responsibilities
- Assist senior laboratory staff with molecular biology, protein, and cellular assays according to established protocols.
- Prepare samples, reagents, and materials necessary for laboratory experiments and research studies.
- Perform routine molecular biology procedures, including PCR setup, nucleic acid preparation, and related laboratory techniques.
- Support immunostaining, protein-based assays, and associated laboratory procedures.
- Assist with maintenance and expansion of mammalian cell cultures following laboratory protocols and quality standards.
- Receive, process, label, organize, and track human specimens and research samples in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, databases, and research documentation.
- Organize, enter, and verify research data to support study reporting, analysis, and publication activities.
Salary Range: $24.00 – $31.25 Hourly
The Research Associate job at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center offers qualified candidates a significant opportunity to contribute to vital biomedical research. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at the earliest to ensure consideration for this role.
