About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to work in the laboratory of Dr. Ajay Goel at the City of Hope. We are focused on understanding the interplay between genetic and epigenetic alterations in colorectal, pancreatic, gastric and esophageal cancers. Our goal is to develop novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers, as well as therapeutic targets for GI cancers. We are a multidisciplinary research group comprising of biologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists and bioinformaticians, undertaking a number of collaborative projects involving large international consortia.

The projects will involve any/all of the following research focuses:

· Exploration of the role of aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications and non- coding RNAs (miRNA, lncRNAs, snoRNAs, piRNAs etc.) in gastrointestinal cancers.

· Establishment of innovative methodologies for the development of epigenetic and non- coding RNAs-based biomarkers for the earlier diagnosis, prognosis and predictive responses to chemotherapy in gastrointestinal neoplasia

· Understanding the genetic basis of early-onset and familial colorectal cancers

· Molecular mechanisms of cancer chemotherapy, stem cells, chemo-resistance and chemo-sensitization

· Gut microbiome and its influence on gastrointestinal cancers

The individual will perform Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics techniques and general lab maintenance that assists the conduction of an Investigator’s Research Project. They must demonstrate an aptitude for acquiring knowledge and new skills that relate to Cancer.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Utilizing laboratory equipment and established protocols, performs a variety of research experiments. Records and validates results for accuracy and completeness.
• May modify protocols.
• Write standard operating procedures and reports.
• Maintains records of work performed including results and methodology; utilizing records may calculate, graph and compile data.
• Develops techniques and expertise in one or more areas relevant to laboratory research project.
• Ensures that all laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with safety procedures and guidelines in handling, storage and disposal of materials.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences.
• 0-2 years of research/laboratory experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Preferred education, experience and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and 1+ years of research/laboratory experience.

Additional Information:

· 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.

· As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

· For more information about the groundbreaking research taking place in the Ajay Goel, Ph.D lab, please visit www.cityofhope.org/mdet.

· When applying, please include a cover letter highlighting your research interests, a brief statement explaining how your past research ties in with the goals of our laboratory, and future career plans.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.