Staff Research Associate II-(SRA2H)

About Us:

The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is an independent, non-profit biomedical research organization located in Torrance, California. In dozens of laboratories throughout the campus, researchers are working to unravel the mysteries of heart and kidney disease, cardiac complications in newborns, chronic lung disease, skin cancer, sickle cell disease, disorders of the autoimmune system, and much more. Many of these projects are collaborative in nature, involving experts from different areas of specialization. Our discoveries have prevented blindness in newborns, enabled premature infants with fragile lungs to breathe and allowed children with rare, often fatal diseases to grow up healthy and strong.

Position Summary

The Al Alam Laboratory at The Lundquist Institute is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate II to support NIH- and CIRM-funded studies focused on modeling human lung development and disease using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying alveolar hypoplasia in Down syndrome through the generation, differentiation, and characterization of human iPSC-derived alveolar epithelial cells and organoid systems. The position offers opportunities to work at the intersection of developmental biology, regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, genomics, and lung disease research. The candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of investigators, trainees, and collaborators and will play a central role in advancing translational research projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) cultures under feeder-free conditions.
• Perform reprogramming of primary human cells into iPSCs using non-integrating approaches such as Sendai virus vectors.
• Differentiate human iPSCs into lung progenitor cells and alveolar epithelial type II (iAT2) cells following established directed differentiation protocols.
• Establish and maintain three-dimensional organoid cultures, alveolosphere cultures, and air-liquid interface (ALI) systems.
• Conduct routine characterization of pluripotent and differentiated cells using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, RT-qPCR, and other molecular assays.
• Perform cell sorting and isolation using flow cytometry or magnetic bead-based approaches.
• Assist with CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, gene knockdown, and overexpression studies.
• Prepare samples for bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell/single-nucleus sequencing, ATAC-seq, and multiomic analyses.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory records and contribute to experimental design, data analysis, figure preparation, and manuscript development.
• Assist with laboratory management activities, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventories, and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety procedures.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, project discussions, and collaborative research activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum of one-two years of hands-on research experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biomedical research environment.
• Demonstrated experience culturing human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs and/or embryonic stem cells).
• Experience with sterile mammalian tissue culture techniques.
• Proficiency in molecular biology methods including RNA isolation, qPCR, cDNA synthesis, and immunostaining.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with directed differentiation of iPSCs into lung, endodermal, epithelial, or organoid models.
• Experience with alveolar epithelial cell culture, lung biology, developmental biology, or regenerative medicine research.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
• Familiarity with confocal microscopy and advanced image analysis software.
• Experience handling human tissue specimens and working under IRB and stem cell oversight protocols.
• Experience in assay development and troubleshooting within complex cell culture systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of stem cell biology and developmental processes.
• Ability to independently execute and troubleshoot complex cell culture protocols.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality scientific standards.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within collaborative multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful research environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a biological safety cabinet and laboratory bench for extended periods.
• Ability to lift laboratory materials and supplies up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to safely handle biological specimens and laboratory reagents while following institutional safety protocols.

About the Laboratory

The Al Alam Laboratory investigates human lung development, regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, and mechanisms underlying congenital and pediatric lung diseases. Current projects utilize human tissues, induced pluripotent stem cells, organoid systems, genomics, and advanced imaging approaches to uncover pathways regulating alveolar development and repair. The laboratory is part of The Lundquist Institute, a leading independent academic biomedical research institute affiliated with Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in advancing toward doctoral, medical, or biotechnology careers while contributing to highly impactful translational stem cell research.

Please ensure your application is complete and signed; incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Position requires a background check and health clearance

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Drug-Free Workplace