Research Associate II - Heart Institute - Ciullo Lab

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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been named to the Honor Roll in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2025-2026” rankings . When you join our team, you’ll have access to groundbreaking biomedical research facilities and world-class medical education programs. We take pride in hiring exceptional, dedicated professionals who are passionate about advancing healthcare. Our physicians, nurses, and staff reflect the culturally and ethnically diverse communities we serve and are united by a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we foster a dynamic, inclusive environment that drives innovation and supports the gold standard of patient care.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

The Smidt Heart Institute reflects Cedars-Sinai's steadfast dedication to heart disease and research innovation giving patients access to the highest level of care. Year after year, thousands of people trust their hearts to Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and specialized care teams treat the full spectrum of heart disease and disorders, while our investigators continue to advance the field with groundbreaking, life-saving research. From genetic counseling and targeted drug therapies to an increasing array of minimally invasive procedures, Cedars-Sinai continues to stand at the forefront of technology, innovation and discovery improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Alessandra Ciullo’s laboratory at Cedars-Sinai’s renowned Smidt Heart Institute conducts innovative cardiovascular research focused on developing next-generation therapies for heart disease. The lab investigates extracellular vesicles, small noncoding RNAs, cardiac regeneration, and disease mechanisms, including arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Joining Dr. Ciullo’s team offers an opportunity to contribute to impactful, translational research within a leading center for cardiovascular discovery and patient care.

What will you be doing in this role?

The Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai is looking for a Research Associate II to join the laboratory of Dr. Alessandra Ciullo. The Research Associate II will provide technical support related to the preparation and analysis of laboratory specimens and conduct laboratory research under the direction of Dr. Ciullo and her research staff studying extracellular vesicles and small non-coding RNA.

Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate II performs routine and increasingly complex laboratory tasks and procedures. The Research Associate II principal duties will include animal colony management, animal treatment and dosing, and generally assisting with smaller experiments or projects as necessary, RNA isolation and qPCR, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, western blots, keeping notes, ordering reagents and maintaining records. Ideal candidate would be an independent, science and detail-oriented individual with mammalian tissue culture experience.

The individual will be expected to function efficiently as an individual and cooperatively with a team of faculty, research scientists and associates. Excellent written and oral communication and coordination of experiments and preparation of data for publication will be expected.

Participation in laboratory meetings, keeping laboratory notebooks, performing calculations, tabulating data, summarizing methods and results of related experiments will be required. In addition, the individual will order supplies and maintain inventories, prepare chemical solutions and culture media, maintain general lab cleanliness and perform other work-related duties as assigned. Duties will include but are not limited to:

Responsibilities:

- Conducting routine production of biologic product(s) including media preparation, cell culture, cell counting, formulation, centrifugation and freezing;
- Contributes to general maintenance of the laboratory, equipment and supplies.
- Assist with animal husbandry
- Participate in experimental designs, in vitro and in vivo data collection and evaluation.
- Demonstrated ability to use sterile technique.
- Performs a variety of increasingly complex experimental protocols and procedures and assist in the design of new complex or unusual protocols and techniques.
- Maintains lab equipment and related records and may coordinate use of lab equipment.
- Assists in the operation of specialized equipment, as required by the area of research.
- Assists new research fellows and research scientists to day-to-day lab operations and routine procedures.
- Meticulous lab bookkeeping.
- Good communication skills
- Preforming a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of one or more laboratory research projects.
- Assists in the operation of specialized equipment and machinery
- Keeps accurate and detailed project records of experiments and results
- Observes and follows safety standards and procedures.

Education:

- Bachelor's Degree in a Science or related field is required.

Experience and Skills:

- At least one (1) year of research laboratory experience in the area of specialization is required. Familiar with routine laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, and overall lab organization.
- Excellent organization and problem-solving skills, meticulous, and self-motivated with the ability to multitask.
- Ability to work closely and effectively within a team environment, with the ability to work well independently on specified projects.
- Strong interpersonal skills for interaction with peers and other scientists in the research team as well as with the administrative team within the Center.
- Ability to simultaneously manage multiple clerical trials, and attention to details.
- Applicants must be highly motivated and able to work independently.