Research Associate

Charles R. Drew University • Los Angeles, CA

10d • $38 • Onsite

About The Position

Charles R. Drew University is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of south Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts uprising. CDU was founded to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for underrepresented students. CDU is strongly invested in the local and regional community. The university leads multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in a variety of south Los Angeles neighborhoods. Under the direct supervision of the Project PI’s the Research Associate is responsible for a broad range of routine to moderately complex research duties. This position involves investigating the role of follistatin in electronic cigarette-induced atherosclerosis, and advancing knowledge at the intersection of cardiovascular biology, atherosclerosis, and molecular mechanisms of tobacco-related disease investigating the role of follistatin in electronic cigarette-induced atherosclerosis.

Requirements

• Prior training in cell and molecular biology techniques; experience in atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, or metabolic research is desirable.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork
• Flexibility to work across both CDU and UCLA
• Commitment of at least a two-years.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, Molecular/Cell Biology, or related
• At least 2–3 years of hands-on research laboratory experience
• Ability to apply standard laboratory techniques, follow research protocols, analyze data, and contribute effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Computer
• Written and oral communication
• Able to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
• The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
• The ideal candidate will be seeking a career in Biomedical Science and able to make a long-term commitment.
• As a condition of enrollment and employment, proof of the newest COVID-19 booster will be required for CDU students, faculty, and staff entry to the CDU campus.

Nice To Haves

• Prior training in cell and molecular biology techniques; experience in atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, or metabolic research is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and records research data, submit weekly reports to the PI's.
• Perform animal husbandry and care in compliance with IACUC and AAALAC standards, including handling, monitoring, and maintaining mouse colonies.
• Conduct mouse aerosol exposure studies with electronic cigarette devices, ensuring adherence to established safety and experimental protocols.
• Assist with experimental procedures related to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, including tissue collection, perfusion, and sectioning (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence).
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, perform data analysis, and prepare results for presentations, reports, and publications.
• Collaborate effectively with investigators, trainees, and technical staff.
• Other duties as requested.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level