Research Associate II – Cancer Immunotherapy and Animal Studies

Thank you for your interest. Please note, the purpose of this posting is to recruit for on-going and future positions.

Join the forefront of groundbreaking research at City of Hope where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. Our dedicated and compassionate faculty and staff are driven by a common mission: Contribute to innovative approaches in predicting, preventing, and curing diseases, shaping the future of medicine through cutting-edge research.

The Michael Caligiuri Laboratory is seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate II (RA II) to join our team.

The Caligiuri lab focuses on NK cell biology, cancer immunotherapy through engineered CAR T and/or CAR NK cells, oncolytic virotherapy, antibody development, stem cell (including iPSCs) research, depending on the individual’s interests and strengths.

Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, or designee, the RA II directs the animal work of a laboratory and/or undertakes animal (mouse) research projects in collaboration with academic supervisor, making innovative contributions pertaining to laboratory procedures which may not change the course of an investigation but, if qualified, do indicate significant independent contribution beyond the RA I level. RA II typically consults with the academic supervisor on the scope and plan of approach to a research project; reads abstracts and articles; organize and plan techniques; plan and assign the work of at least one lab staff advising on problems they are unable to solve; contribute original ideas to the laboratory research; standardize new techniques, especially with regard to mouse surgical, medical, immunologic, and radiation treatments, and train staff on these techniques as well as animal safety; once trained, perform specialized surgical procedures on laboratory animals and prepare written reports of laboratory experimental methods, especially as relates to animal work. After the academic supervisor, this RA II will be responsible for animal inventory, safety, training, and treatment oversight.

As a successful candidate, you will:

  • Perform a variety of routine and non-routine laboratory animal research experiments. Record and validate results for accuracy and completeness or oversees documentation by lab members.

  • Troubleshoot procedures if animal experiment results are unexpected or unsatisfactory. Recommend alternative procedures, seek and obtain IACUC approval and documents change.

  • Be responsible for accurately recording IACUC protocol usage; keep protocols up to date, monitor accrual to IACUC protocols, work directly with IACUC to troubleshoot any animal issues.

  • Independently evaluate research data and initiate alternative approaches to improve the quality of results by providing input to overall research design and ensure that statistical input is complete before animal experiments are launched. Train lab staff in specialized animal procedures, surgical equipment and theoretical concepts behind unique procedures.

  • May contribute to the preparation of manuscripts by describing methods and specialized techniques. Keep abreast of new and improved techniques.

  • Ensure that all animal laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with each procedure(s) by utilizing IACUC safety procedures and guidelines in animal handling, and in handling, storage and disposal of bio-hazardous, infectious and toxic material. Perform all animal regulatory work.

  • At times when animal experiments are at a minimum, the applicant would be expected to participate in other laboratory processes and procedures, such as flow cytometry, tissue preparation, cell culture, etc.

Your qualifications should include:

  • Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred.

  • Two years related research/ laboratory experience with a Bachelor’s degree or one year related research/ laboratory experience with a Master’s degree.

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria:work experience, qualifications, and work location.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, pleaseCLICK HERE.

The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...