Principal Investigator, Suzanne Devkota, PhD, is looking for a Research Associate II to join the team!

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?

The Research Associate II (RA II) will be responsible for carrying out molecular, cellular and live animal techniques for external projects submitted to the HMRI including anaerobic bacterial cultivation, microbial DNA/RNA extraction, library prep for 16S and metagenomic sequencing, bacterial genetics, and gnotobiotic animal experiments. As such, the candidate should have a strong background in microbiology and/or microbiome science. The RA II will also perform PCR and qRT-PCR, ELISAs, perform DNA and RNA extractions, and may learn and take on additional skills such as flow cytometry, FACS sorting, sample preparation for single-cell and single-nuclei sequencing, and advanced microscopy techniques.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs a variety of increasingly sophisticated Microbiome experimental protocols and procedures and assist in the design of new protocols and techniques.
• Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results, and assist in identifying and troubleshooting unexpected results.
• Maintains lab equipment and related records and may coordinate the use of lab equipment.
• Assists in the operation of specialized equipment, as required by the area of research.
• 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 to carry out Microbiome-specific molecular, cellular, and live animal techniques for external projects submitted to the HMRI.
• Cultivate live bacteria from human and animal tissues, create bacterial stocks, and revive bacteria as needed.
• Maintain the bacterial culture collection and conduct in-vitro co-culture experiments.
• Perform animal experiments in gnotobiotic mice, including gavage of bacteria and bacterial communities.
• Work with highly sterile technique, with exquisite attention to detail in the extraction of DNA for 16S and metagenomics.
• Carry out sequencing library preps
• Conduct PCR and qRT-PCR assays.
• Perform ELISAs.
• Learn and acquire additional skills such as flow cytometry, FACS sorting, sample preparation for single-cell and single-nuclei sequencing, and advanced microscopy.

Education:

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

Experience and Skills:

• At least one (1) year of research laboratory experience in microbiology or microbiome-related sciences is required. Three (3) years is highly desired.
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with the ability to multitask.
• Ability to work closely and effectively within a team environment, with the ability to work well independently on specified projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interaction with peers and other scientists in the research team as well as with the administrative team within the Center.