Research Associate II - Precision Oncology of Gastrointestinal Cancers

City of Hope

Monrovia, CA

Job posting number: #7105909 (Ref:10017961)

Posted: January 20, 2023

Salary / Pay Rate: $31.00 - $48.05 / hour

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

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 multiple Research Associate II candidates within the multidisciplinary research team headed by Dr. Ajay Goel, Professor and Chair, Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics and Associate Director of Basic Sciences, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer.

Our multidisciplinary research group comprises of basic biologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists and bioinformaticians, undertaking a number of collaborative projects involving large international consortia. Our research is focused on translational research as it relates to genomic and epigenomic characterization of various gastrointestinal cancers (GI) including colorectal, pancreatic and gastric cancers, and some of the key research topics include: 1) Development of circulating DNA/RNA-based liquid biopsy biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and predictive response to various therapies. 2) Study the epigenetic basis of GI cancers (e.g. aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs. 3) The genetic basis of early-onset and familial/hereditary colorectal cancers. 4) The role of tumor microenvironment, stem cells, immune regulation and identification of novel targeted therapies. 5) The role of extracellular vesicles/exosomes as in cancer pathogenesis and their role as disease biomarkers. Our group performs cutting-edge research in GI oncology, is very productive and publishes in high-impact journals such as Gastroenterology, JNCI, Clinical Cancer Research, Nature Communications, Annals of Surgery etc.

Key Responsibilities include:

  • Various aspects of lab management, including maintenance and upkeep of reagent and clinical specimen inventories, ordering, lab safety and regulatory tasks.
  • Ensures that all laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with each procedure(s) by utilizing safety procedures and guidelines in handling, storage and disposal of bio-hazardous, infectious and toxic material.
  • Performs a variety of routine and non-routine laboratory research experiments. Records and validates results for accuracy and completeness.
  • Troubleshoots procedures if experiment results are unexpected or unsatisfactory. Recommends alternative procedures.
  • 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 Genetics and Epigenetics.
  • 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.
  • Responsible for accurately recording work performed including results and methodology. Calculates, compiles and analyzes data obtained from work performed.
  • Independently evaluates research data and initiates alternative approaches to improve the quality of results by providing input to overall research design. Trains lab staff in specialized procedures, equipment and theoretical concepts behind unique tests.
  • May contribute to the preparation of manuscripts by describing methods and specialized techniques. Keeps abreast of new and improved techniques.
  • Attends lab meetings, read assigned literature and occasionally create presentations on his/her project at the request of the Investigator.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

  • 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
  • Assist and preform Immunology techniques such as tissue culture, flow cytometry (analysis), and/or molecular tests, according to the Laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures. Have the ability to use all equipment and apparatus necessary for work performance. Always work according to the policies for safe Laboratory practices as established by Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope.
  • Perform routine laboratory cleaning and maintenance according to Standard Operating Procedures such as using appropriate cleaners to wipe bench and hood surfaces, incubators, water baths and other equipment or apparatus. Monitor equipment for optimal performance.
  • Record all experiments performed and data generated in a laboratory notebook according to the policy and procedure established by Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope.

Additional Information:

  • To apply, please submit your current CV/resume along with a cover letter highlighting your research accomplishments, a brief statement explaining how your past research ties in with the goals of our laboratory, and future career plans.
  • For more information about the groundbreaking research taking place in the Ajay Goel, Ph.D lab, please visit www.cityofhope.org/mdet.
  • As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

Salary / Pay Rate Information:
Pay Rate: $31.00 - $48.05 / hour

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.



City of Hope is a community of people characterized by our diversity of thought, background and approach, but tied together by our commitment to care for and cure those with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The innovation that our diversity produces in the areas of research, treatment, philanthropy and education has made us national leaders in this fight. Our unique and diverse workforce provides us the ability to understand our patients' needs, deliver compassionate care and continue the quest for a cure for life-threatening diseases. At City of Hope, diversity and inclusion is a core value at the heart of our mission. We strive to create an inclusive workplace environment that engages all of our employees and provides them with opportunities to develop and grow, both personally and professionally. Each day brings an opportunity to strengthen our work, leverage our different perspectives and improve our patients’ experiences by learning from others. Diversity and inclusion is about much more than policies and campaigns. It is an integral part of who we are as an institution, how we operate and how we see our future.


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