Principal Investigator, Makoto Katsumata, PhD, is looking for a Research Associate to join the Rodent Genetics Core!

The Rodent Genetics Core is a division within the Animal Models Core, specializing in the production of genetically modified animals. The goal of the core is to efficiently provide high-quality, specific pathogen-free transgenic and knockout (knock-in) mice carrying genes of specific interest to a broad range of biomedical research projects to investigators at Cedars-Sinai, as well as affiliated and outside institutions. To learn more, please visit Rodent Genetics Core | Cedars-Sinai.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate II performs routine and increasingly complex laboratory tasks and procedures and develops technical expertise in one or more areas relevant to research projects. The Research Associate II will participate in research activities involving all aspects of the research process, to include, but not limited to; investigation, technical, testing/validation of results, and report findings. The Associate will perform a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of laboratory research projects. The Associate will observe and comply with safety standards and procedures, assist in preparation of data for publication and/or presentation at scholarly meetings, and assist in general laboratory maintenance. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Primary 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 Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the care, breeding, and management of laboratory animals as well as performing various animal related procedures and surgeries.
• Performs pronuclear microinjection, embryonic stem cell injection and embryo transfer.
• PCR based mouse genotyping.
• Preparation of laboratory reagents.
• Plasmid subcloning, amplification, and purification.
• Electroporation and selection of embryonic stem cells.
• Ability to acquire and adopt new technologies in the field such as electroporation of embryos with CRISPR mixture.
• Ability to design gene targeting strategies using conventional ES or more advanced CRISPR technologies.
• Ability to schedule day-to-day operations.
• Cryopreservation and cryorecovery of mouse sperm and embryos.
• Ability to come in on weekends (1-2 times a month) and early mornings (4-8 times a month) for animal care and procedures as needed.

Education:

• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in biological science is required.

Experience and Skills:

• At least one (1) year of research laboratory experience in the area of research specialization is required. Understanding of general research objectives.
• Experience with rodent handling and husbandry is highly desired.
• Experience in cryobiology is highly preferred.
• Familiar with routine laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, and overall lab organization.
• Highly motivated and able to work independently with superior interpersonal, communication, and organization skills.
• Ability to work across company teams and functional units, and computer application experience.
• Computer skills include, but are not limited to, Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple clerical trials, and attention to detail.
• Valid and current driver's license is required.