Research Associate I - Allen Lab - Lung Institute / Department of Medicine

We invite you to consider this great opportunity! Why does aging simultaneously impair host defense while increasing susceptibility to inflammatory disease? How do tissue-resident stromal cells and prior environmental exposures reshape immune function over the lifespan? About the Team Our lab studies how the lung parenchyma shapes immune responses, with a particular focus on how aging alters these interactions. Building on prior work defining stromal–immune circuits that drive inflammatory T cell responses in the aged lung (Allen et al., Immunity, 2026), we aim to further dissect how these interactions maintain tissue homeostasis and contribute to disease. The Allen Lab is a new lab opening at Cedars-Sinai this Fall and is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to join the team. About the Role This is an entry-level position and does not include supervisory responsibilities. Due to the time required for training, a two-year commitment is required. Working under direct supervision, the Research Associate II performs routine and increasingly complex laboratory tasks and procedures and develops technical expertise in one or more areas relevant to research projects. The incumbent will participate in research activities involving all aspects of the research process, to include, but not limited to; investigation, technical, testing/validation of results, and report findings. The RA II lab member will perform a variety of routine experimental protocols and procedures to support the objectives of laboratory research projects. The Associate will observe and follow safety standards and procedures, assist in preparation of data for publication and/or presentation at scholarly meetings, and assist in general laboratory maintenance. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: * Designs new complex or unusual protocols and techniques. * Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results, and assist in identifying and troubleshooting of unexpected results. * Orders laboratory supplies and supports laboratory operations. * 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. * Orients research laboratory assistants or lower level research associates and undergraduate student researchers on day-to-day lab operations and routine procedures. Department-Specific Duties: * Performing standard molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, protein extraction, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry). * Assisting with general laboratory operations, including reagent preparation and inventory management. * Supporting the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment. * Participating in animal work, including husbandry, genotyping, and assisting with experimental procedures. * Maintaining accurate records and adhering to laboratory safety protocols. QUALIFICATIONS Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences is required. * Research laboratory experience is required. * Understanding of general research objectives and experience with routine laboratory procedures and experimental protocols. * Must possess digital literacy. Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars- Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents. Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest nonprofit academic medical centers in the U.S., with 915 licensed beds, 2,993 physicians, 4,700+ nurses and thousands of other healthcare professionals and staff. Choose this if you want to work in a fast-paced environment that offers the highest level of care to people in the Los Angeles that need our care the most.