Research Associate I, Merchant Lab

Cedars-Sinai•Los Angeles, CA

18h•$24 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Merchant lab seeks a Research Associate with an interest in cancer biology and tumor immunology. Studies in the lab make use of mouse models to examine tumor immunology, with correlation in human patient samples. The studies are part of an NIH funded project aiming to increase our understanding of resistance of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to studying resistance mechanisms of NHL to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the project will examine the utility of CAR T-cells in the treatment of NHL. The results from these studies will be used to design clinical trials to improve outcomes for patients with NHL. Studies of the tumor microenvironment will be enabled using high dimensional flow cytometry, single cell RNA-sequencing, and imaging mass cytometry. Imaging mass cytometry allows for highly multiplexed (35+ markers) imaging of immune and tumor cells, with spatial information and subcellular resolution making it the ideal technology for studying stem cells and immune cells in their cellular niches within the bone marrow. Imaging mass cytometry can be applied to all tissue types including cell lines, organoids, frozen section and FFPE fixed archival tissue. The applicant will have the opportunity to work with a diverse team, including other Research Associates, Medical Doctors, residents, graduate students, and post-doctoral students. The applicant will also have the opportunity to present data at the weekly Merchant Lab meeting. Additionally, the applicant will have the opportunity to help write papers, attend national scientific meetings, and present data at national scientific meetings.

Requirements

Interest in cancer biology and tumor immunology.
Experience with mouse models.
Experience with high dimensional flow cytometry.
Experience with single cell RNA-sequencing.
Experience with imaging mass cytometry.
Experience with RT-PCR.
Experience with Western blotting.
Experience with cell culture and transduction.
Experience with expression profiling.
Ability to maintain computer databases.
Ability to perform lab maintenance duties.
Ability to maintain stocks of lab materials and place orders.
Ability to assist new students and fellows.
Ability to assist in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery.
Ability to observe and comply with safety standards and procedures.
Ability to keep accurate and detailed project records.

Nice To Haves

Experience with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Experience with CAR T-cells.
Experience with imaging mass cytometry for multiplexed (35+ markers) imaging of immune and tumor cells.
Experience with imaging mass cytometry on cell lines, organoids, frozen sections, and FFPE fixed archival tissue.
Experience presenting data at lab meetings.
Experience writing papers.
Experience attending national scientific meetings.
Experience presenting data at national scientific meetings.

Responsibilities

Breeding, genotyping, tumor injections, treatments and tissue harvesting in mice.
Apply standard molecular and cellular biology methods (RT-PCR, Western blotting, cell culture and transduction, expression profiling) to profile the tumor microenvironment of NHL.
Uses imaging mass cytometry to study the tumor microenvironment and cell changes in animal models of NHL and in patient samples.
Using flow cytometry to study the tumor microenvironment and cell changes in animal models of NHL and in patient samples.
Maintains computer database with relevant 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 including mass cytometry system
Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures.
Keeps accurate and detailed project records of experiments and results.