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 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 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

Dr. Jianjun Chen’s lab in the Systems Biology Department in the Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope is looking for a talent Research Associate II.  His lab is interested in RNA/DNA cancer epigenetics studies (focusing on both basic and translational research). Dr. Chen is an internationally renowned pioneer and leader in the field of RNA Cancer Epigenetics (or Epitranscriptomics). His lab has published a series of breakthrough discoveries in top-tier journals such as Nature, Cell, Cancer Cell, Cell Stem Cell, Nature Biotechnology, Nature Genetics, Nature Cell Biology, and Molecular Cell, etc.  The ultimate goal of the laboratory is to translate the laboratory discoveries into the development and application of effective novel therapeutic strategies to treat cancers in the clinic. The successful candidate will assist laboratory research by providing technical assistance, preparing and arranging reagents, managing mouse colonies, ordering and inventory of stocks.  

Techniques may include, but are not limited to basic molecular biology, biochemistry, aseptic techniques, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy. A highly qualified Research Technician may serve as the lab manager.  

Responsibilities include:

• General lab maintenance and ordering (i.e. restock lab reagents, maintain supplies stocks)
• Mouse handling includes husbandry, injections including drug-treatments, proficiency in collection of submandibular blood of mice
• Bulk plasmid purification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, genotyping, Western blotting
• Adherent and suspension cell culture maintenance
• Test out new reagents/products for potential lab use
• Additional consideration for applicants with previous clearance for animal irradiation and/or previous experience in flow cytometry for quantification of xenograft engraftment

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or other related field with 2 years of experience or Master’s with 1 year of experience is required. 
• Meticulous record keeping, impeccable organization and proficiency with databases
• Exceptional managerial and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong work ethic, highly motivated, and work well independently and in a team
• Experience with genetic mouse models, cellular and molecular biology techniques is a big plus

Additional Information:

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

• For more information on Dr. Jianjun Chen’s research please visit here

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.