Principal Investigator, Suzanne Devkota, PhD, is looking for a Research Associate I to join the Human Microbiome Research Institute!

The Human Microbiome Research Institute (HMRI) at Cedars-Sinai is committed to supporting investigators across multiple disciplines who study the Microbiome—the bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in and on the human body. The HMRI team’s goal is to enable deeper research into how microbiota may cause or prevent illness to aid the development of new treatments. To learn more, please visit Human Microbiome Research Institute | Cedars-Sinai.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate I (RA-I) will perform a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of the Human Microbiome Research Institute (HMRI). The RA-I will assist 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.

Department-Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing day-to-day operations in the labs including: maintaining mouse colonies and gaining experience with germ-free and gnotobiotic mice.
• Ensures the labs are adequately stocked and places weekly orders.
• Provides support to senior staff in their projects, maintains equipment in good working order, and learns key techniques carried out in Microbiome research.
• Responsible for performing DNA and RNA extractions from human and animal tissues.

Education:

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

Experience and Skills:

• Understanding of general research objectives. Experience with animal handling is not required, but you must be comfortable and willing to work with mice.
• Solid understanding 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.