Research Associate II - Smidt Heart Institute - Cheng Lab

As a Research Associate II, you will perform a variety of standardized laboratory protocols and procedures to support a number of research projects that involve processing different types of biospecimens collected from clinical and translational research studies. You will assist in general laboratory activities, including maintenance of reagents and stocking of supplies, filing and monitoring of research documents, and operation of specialized equipment. Will have strong organization skills, attention to detail, adherence to safety standards and procedures, and ability to maintain accurate and comprehensive records of experiments and results. This role will have opportunities for authorship in scientific publications, cross-training in related research fields including data management and analysis, and support for accelerated career development and growth.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs a variety of increasingly complex experimental protocols and procedures and assist in the design of new complex or unusual protocols and techniques.
• Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results, and assist in identifying and troubleshooting of unexpected results.
• Orders laboratory supplies and supports laboratory operations.
• Maintains lab equipment and related records and may coordinate use of lab equipment.
• Assists in the operation of specialized equipment, as required by the area of research.
• Assists in preparation of data for publication and/or presentation at scholarly meetings.
• Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures.
• Orients research laboratory assistants or lower level research associates and undergraduate student researchers on day-to-day lab operations and routine procedures.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES:

• Assist with collecting, processing, annotating, and storing biospecimens for clinical and translational research.
• Assist with maintaining quality control of handling and processing of all biospecimens including workflows related to intake, tracking, distribution, shipments, and storage.
• Works with the research team to ensure regulatory compliance in all areas of laboratory activity.
• Assists with maintaining best practices in tracking and storage of biospecimens, involving the use of physical and electronic laboratory systems.
• Assist with research pathology and image analysis/microscopy and other laboratory tasks as and when needed.
• Assist with administrative tasks as and when needed.
• Works efficiently and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Assist with preparation of research manuscripts as and when needed.

• Working Title: Research Associate II - Smidt Heart Institute - Cheng Lab
• Department: Heart Institute Operations
• Business Entity: Academic / Research
• City: Los Angeles
• Job Category: Academic/Research
• Job Specialty: Research Studies/Clinical Trials
• Position Type: Full-time
• Shift Length: 8 hour shift
• Shift Type: Day