Research Specialist (Dr. Asgharzadeh’s Lab)

Join a team that's shaping the future of pediatric care. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is consistently ranked among the top 10 children's hospitals in the nation, delivering world-class care through more than 350 specialized programs and services. Here, world-class experts in medicine, research, and education work together to deliver family-centered care to more than 155,000 patients each year. At CHLA, your work will help build brighter tomorrows for the children and families we serve.

The Research Specialist supports and coordinates laboratory and clinical research activities within the Cancer & Blood Disease Institute (CBDI) at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The laboratory focuses on immunotherapy approaches for childhood cancers, with particular emphasis on tumor microenvironment biology and cellular therapy platforms.

This position combines responsibilities in laboratory leadership, experimental research, and clinical research coordination. The individual will execute and oversee laboratory experiments (in vitro and in vivo), maintain regulatory compliance, manage laboratory operations, and support the institute’s tumor biorepository through subject consent, specimen procurement, and processing.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, scientifically rigorous, capable of independent experimental execution, and comfortable interacting with patients and families in a clinical research setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory Research & Experimental Execution
• Design, plan, and perform complex laboratory experiments independently or under faculty guidance.
• Conduct in vitro studies including cell culture, immune assays, molecular biology, and flow cytometry.
• Perform and support in vivo murine studies, including tumor implantation, treatment administration, tissue harvesting, and sample analysis.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure reproducibility and compliance with institutional standards.
• Assist in data analysis, figure preparation, and protocol optimization.

Laboratory Leadership & Operations

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including inventory, reagent procurement, equipment maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Ensure adherence to IACUC, IRB, biosafety, and institutional research policies.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent research projects and timelines.
• Train and supervise students, research assistants, and junior personnel as needed.
• Serve as point of contact for core facilities and institutional research support offices.

Clinical Research & Biorepository Support

• Recruit research subjects for the tumor specimen repository and related translational studies.
• Obtain and document informed consent from patients and families in accordance with IRB protocols.
• Coordinate specimen collection (blood, bone marrow, tumor samples) with clinical teams.
• Maintain regulatory documentation and support audits as required.
• Provide backup coverage for clinical sample processing during high-volume periods.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related biomedical field.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

       Demonstrated experience or willingness to learn:

• Mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques
• Flow cytometry and immunologic assays
• In vivo murine models
• Experience obtaining informed consent and interacting with patients/families in a clinical research setting.

CHLA is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health, in our community, across the nation, and around the world . As a premier Magnet®-recognized teaching hospital, CHLA offers an environment rooted in learning, collaboration, and compassionate care. . We are home to groundbreaking research, clinical innovation, and a culture that supports personal and professional growth.

Since 1932, CHLA has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Through this partnership and our own enduring mission, we remain committed to creating hope and building healthier futures.