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Principal Investigator, Ivan Vujkovic-Cvijin, PhD, is looking for a Research Associate to join the team!

The Vujkovic-Cvijin Laboratory studies the role of the gut microbiota – the community of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protists that inhabit our gut – in inflammatory diseases. The laboratory leverages novel computational (Vujkovic-Cvijin et al. 2020, Nature, DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2881-9) and experimental (Vujkovic-Cvijin et al. 2021, biorXiv, DOI: 10.1101/2021.08.17.456549) methodologies to identify disease-promoting gut microbes, to unlock how they contribute to inflammatory disease, and to develop tools to edit the microbiota to remove such disease-causing constituents. We utilize a combination of microbiome science, computational biology, and immunology to understand host-microbe relationships within this complex system and especially in inflammatory bowel disease. Our goal is to move discoveries out of laboratories and into effective novel treatments. To learn more, please visit Vujkovic-Cvijin Research Lab | Cedars-Sinai.

The Vujkovic-Cvijin Laboratory exists within the Cedars-Sinai Inflammatory Bowel and Immunology Research Institute (IBIRI), which focuses on chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestines, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The gastroenterology and gastrointestinal (GI) surgery program at Cedars-Sinai is the No. 2 program nationwide, facilitating state-of-the-art science aimed at understanding human gastrointestinal medical conditions.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate I performs a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of one or more laboratory research projects in a specific area of research. Assists in general laboratory activities, including maintenance of reagents and stocking of supplies. Files and monitors documents. Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results. Assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery. Observes safety standards and procedures. The Research Assistant I will be able to perform routine cellular, micro- and molecular biology procedures. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Primary 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:

• Collaborates to problem solve and make decisions to achieve desired outcomes
• Establishes effective working relationships with cross-functional team(s)
• Responds promptly, effectively, and appropriately to deliverables
• Shares knowledge, time, and expertise to assist other members of the team
• Maintains detailed, organized, and accurate laboratory records
• Assists with instrument validation/service and maintenance purchase orders as needed.
• Assists with issues concerning the lab space including coordinating repairs to equipment and space.
• Places orders for lab supplies, general and researcher-specific
• Aids in maintaining contact with vendors to ensure availability and best cost for equipment or supplies needed by the group.
• Coordinates biowaste pickup, anaerobic gas, liquid nitrogen, and CO2 delivery/pickup.
• Assist researchers with glass washing, autoclaving, and miscellaneous lab duties.
• Will be a point of contact for all freezer alarms and system monitoring.
• Assists in annual and semiannual maintenance for equipment (PCR machines)
• Provide entry into the space for any visitors and or repairs needed.
• Assist new Research Fellows and/or Research Scientists with day-to-day lab operations and procedures.

Education:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field.

Experience & Skills:

• Understanding of general research objectives. Familiar with routine laboratory procedures and experimental protocols.
• Must be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to demonstrate problem-solving skills and recommend solutions.
• Working knowledge of database management, personal computers, and presentation and imaging software.
• Must possess computer skills including, but not limited to, Excel and Word.
• Must have outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organization skills and the ability to work across company disciplines and functional units.