Research Associate II - Diabetes Research

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

Pay Rate: $35-$54.26 per hour

Join the forefront of groundbreaking research at the Beckman Research Institute of 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 Dhawan Lab at the Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute seeks a Research Associate II to investigate mechanisms regulating pancreatic beta-cell development, function, and regeneration, as well as diabetes pathogenesis. We are looking for a researcher who can work with minimal supervision and take ownership of experiments: plan and execute established protocols with limited supervision, establish new methodology, recognize when results need further investigation, troubleshoot, and communicate findings and next steps clearly.

• Independently conduct complex molecular and cellular biology research using a wide range of techniques, including mammalian cell culture, iPSC models, DNA/RNA isolation, sequencing library preparation, RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, mouse genetics, confocal imaging, and islet physiology studies.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot laboratory methods and experimental protocols; recommend alternative approaches, validate experimental plans, and ensure reliable research outcomes.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data while maintaining thorough and accurate research records; contribute to laboratory meetings, departmental presentations, and scientific manuscripts.
• Manage laboratory operations, including inventory control, preparation of reagents and stock solutions, equipment oversight, and safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
• Train and mentor laboratory personnel on specialized techniques, instrumentation, and scientific concepts to support research productivity and compliance.
• Stay current with emerging scientific literature and technologies to implement innovative methodologies and ensure adherence to laboratory safety and regulatory standards.

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in Biological Sciences.
• 2+ years of hands‑on lab research experience with a bachelor’s degree or 1+ year related experience with a master’s degree.
• Proven ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze laboratory experiments while maintaining detailed and accurate research records.
• Hands‑on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, cell culture, and related laboratory methodologies; academic research experience preferred.
• Experience with animal and tissue‑based research, including mouse work, tissue isolation, histological analysis, and operation of microtome and cryostat systems preferred.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, with proficiency in MS Office, R and/or Python, meticulous attention to detail, and flexibility to support project deadlines, including occasional weekend work.

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.