Job Description
The laboratory of Dr. Anthony T. Nguyen, MD, PhD, at the renowned Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is seeking a motivated and skilled Research Associate I to contribute to our groundbreaking research in cancer biology and cancer immunology. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a highly collaborative team dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the tumor microenvironment and advancing innovative therapeutic strategies. This position is intentionally structured as a strong professional development foundation for individuals planning to pursue graduate school, medical school, or advanced research training.
Position Expectations & Qualifications:
- Willingness and comfort working with mouse models
- Prior hands-on laboratory experience strongly preferred (including undergraduate research experience)
- Ability to work fully onsite; candidates must reside within a commutable distance
- Strong motivation to learn, contribute, and grow in a rigorous research environment
Under the mentorship of Dr. Nguyen, you will develop critical technical and analytical skills essential for competitive graduate and medical programs. The laboratory has a demonstrated track record of supporting Research Associates in:
- Presenting abstracts at national and international scientific meetings
- Contributing to peer-reviewed publications
- Successfully transitioning into graduate programs, medical school, and advanced scientific training
This role offers structured mentorship, meaningful scientific engagement, and a clear pathway for professional advancement within a nationally recognized cancer research institute. It is an outstanding stepping stone for individuals serious about building a career in biomedical research or academic medicine.
ABOUT CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER:
Ranked among the top ten hospitals nationwide for federal research funding, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is home to over 1,500 active research projects. At the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center, our researchers strive to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Situated in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, adjacent to Beverly Hills and in close proximity to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Cedars-Sinai offers a dynamic and stimulating environment for scientific growth. With ongoing education and training opportunities, promotions, competitive salaries, and excellent benefits, we prioritize the professional development and well-being of our team members.
NGUYEN LAB FOCUS:
The primary objective of our laboratory is to understand the intricate interactions between advanced solid cancers and the immune cells of the tumor microenvironment. By identifying molecular vulnerabilities created by immunotherapy and radiotherapy, we aim to develop novel therapies, particularly in the areas of breast cancer and prostate cancer. We use complementary approaches, including integrating functional genomics, proteomics, and biochemistry techniques. Our advanced methodologies include single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, and state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technologies.
As a Research Assistant in the Nguyen Lab, you will have the opportunity to:
- Organize and manage experiments in a dynamic environment.
- Execute experiments and critically analyze the results under the supervision of the PI or other lab members.
- Present data at lab meetings to contribute to scientific discussions.
- Assist in drafting study protocols under the guidance of the PI.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
- A bachelor's degree (with prior lab experience).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong collaborative skills.
- Ability to perform and prioritize multiple simultaneous tasks.
Preferred:
- Technical proficiency in cell culture and hands-on mouse work (s.c, i.v, i.p. injections). Previous experience in mouse work is preferred, but not required for this position.
- Some experience in flow cytometry is preferred but not required.
- Previous experience with basic molecular biology techniques is preferred but not required.
Overtime Status: NONEXEMPT
Shift Length: 8 hour
Salary Range: $24.00 - $29.87
Department: Radiation Oncology Academics
Our compensation philosophy
We offer competitive total compensation that includes pay, benefits, and other recognition programs for our employees. The base pay range shown above takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including knowledge/skills; relevant experience and training; education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. This base pay range does not include our comprehensive benefits package and any incentive payments that may be applicable to this role. Pay Transparency Non Discrimination Provision (PDF) (opens in new window)
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve. Quality Care and Research—For All, By All (opens in new window).
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19. For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines such as COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy. Cedars-Sinai’s AA Policy Statement (PDF) (opens in new window)