Research Associate I - Heart Institute - Lefer Lab
About The Position
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been named to the Honor Roll in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2025-2026” rankings. When you join our team, you’ll have access to groundbreaking biomedical research facilities and world-class medical education programs. We take pride in hiring exceptional, dedicated professionals who are passionate about advancing healthcare. Our physicians, nurses, and staff reflect the culturally and ethnically diverse communities we serve and are united by a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we foster a dynamic, inclusive environment that drives innovation and supports the gold standard of patient care. The Smidt Heart Institute reflects Cedars-Sinai's steadfast dedication to heart disease and research innovation giving patients access to the highest level of care. Year after year, thousands of people trust their hearts to Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and specialized care teams treat the full spectrum of heart disease and disorders, while our investigators continue to advance the field with groundbreaking, life-saving research. From genetic counseling and targeted drug therapies to an increasing array of minimally invasive procedures, Cedars-Sinai continues to stand at the forefront of technology, innovation and discovery improving patient outcomes. We are seeking a Research Associate to join the lab led by Dr. David Lefer, Director of Translational Research in the Department of Cardiac Surgery in the Smidt Heart Institute.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science is required.
- No experience required.
- 1 year of clinical research experience preferred.
Nice To Haves
- Independent, precise, and experienced with animal models and mammalian tissue culture.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, coordination of experiments, and data preparation for publication are encouraged.
Responsibilities
- Conduct routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the goals of one or more laboratory research projects in a specialized research area.
- Assist with general laboratory tasks such as reagent upkeep and supply stocking.
- File and monitor documents.
- Keep accurate, detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- Aid in operating specialized equipment and machinery, following safety protocols.
- Perform routine cellular, micro-, and molecular biology techniques including Western and Northern blots, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, protein extraction, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and staining.
- Conduct routine molecular biology and biochemistry assays like immunohistochemistry, microscopy, western blots, ELISA, histology, and manage related data analysis.
- Work efficiently alone and within a team of faculty, research scientists, and associates.
- Prepare data for publication.
- Attend lab meetings, maintain laboratory notebooks, perform calculations, tabulate data, and summarize experimental methods and results.
- Order supplies, maintain inventories, prepare chemical solutions and culture media, keep the lab clean, and perform other assigned tasks.
- Performs a variety of routine laboratory tasks and procedures.
- Maintains detailed and comprehensive records of experiments and their results.
- May assist with animal husbandry.
- Keeps lab equipment in good condition and manages associated records.
- Transports, processes and logs samples.
- Maintains computer database with relevant clinical information.
- Performs lab maintenance duties, including glassware cleaning and sterilization.
- Keeps inventory of general lab materials, and arranges 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.
- Manages rodent animal studies including initiating the study, collecting functional readouts, collecting tissue, and sample preparation.
- Preparation of research-grade therapeutic RNA formulations for in vivo and in vitro testing.
- Making detailed observations, planning, and assisting with data collection, data analysis, writing and disseminating production results.
- Carrying out various standard experimental protocols and procedures to support the goals of one or more laboratory research projects.
- Participating in weekly lab meetings and reporting data results.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
