Research Associate I - Touil Lab - Department of Neurology

Job Description

Grow your career at Cedars-Sinai!

Cedars-Sinai offers a culture of happiness, passion, and dedication. This is one of the many reasons why we rank as one of the top hospitals in California and in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Hanane Touil invites you to consider this outstanding opportunity with her team.

About the Team

The laboratory of Dr. Touil is part of the Department of Neurology and Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. Dr. Touil leads a translational neuro-immunology research program that integrates rigorous functional neuro-immune assays with groundbreaking computational approaches to investigate disease mechanisms underlying neuro-immunological disorders.

Her research focuses on Multiple Sclerosis (MS), compartmentalized inflammation within the central nervous system, and the molecular and cellular signatures of immunosenescence in both healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease. Employing deeply characterized human bio-specimens and advanced analytical methodologies. The laboratory seeks to identify biomarkers associated with prognosis, treatment response, and disease progression in order to advance early diagnosis and precision medicine strategies aimed at halting disease progression.

About the Role

Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate I will perform 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.

The Research Associate I will support translational and basic research studies focused on the role of the immune system in aging and age-related neurological disorders. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing and managing human biospecimens, maintaining biobank inventories, conducting laboratory experiments, and supporting day-to-day laboratory operations. This position will collaborate closely with postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, and scientific staff to advance research programs investigating mechanisms of neuroinflammation, immune aging, and neurodegenerative disease.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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 follows safety standards and procedures.

Department-Specific Responsibilities:

• Process, aliquot, store, and track human biological specimens, including blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma, and serum, according to established protocols.
• Adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards and established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinates and maintains human samples inventories, sample records, and laboratory databases to ensure sample integrity and accurate tracking.
• Performs laboratory assays and experiments in support of neuroimmunology and aging research projects.
• Assists postdoctoral fellows, research fellows, and scientific staff with experimental execution, sample preparation, data collection, and protocol optimization.
• Maintains accurate laboratory records, experimental documentation, and data files.
• Orders, receives, and manages laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies.
• Prepares reagents, buffers, and other laboratory materials as needed.
• Supports routine maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Ensures compliance with laboratory safety procedures, biosafety regulations, and standard operating procedures.
• Participates in laboratory meetings and contributes to a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience and Skills:

• 0-2 years of laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or clinical research environment is preferred.
• Experience managing biological specimens and following laboratory protocols.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic data management systems.
• Experience processing human blood, CSF, plasma, serum, or other clinical specimens.
• Experience with biobanking operations and sample inventory management.
• Familiarity with electronic sample tracking systems.
• Experience with immunology, neuroscience, aging, or neurodegeneration research.
• Hands-on experience with techniques such as flow cytometry, cell culture, single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics, or multiplex immunoassays.
• Knowledge of biosafety procedures and managing human-derived specimens.