Research Associate II - Cell Processing and Immune Monitoring

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

The Diamond lab has an exciting opportunity for a motivated Research Associate II scientist with an interest in immune monitoring in clinical vaccine and observational studies.  The successful candidate will join a team committed to immunologically evaluate experimental vaccines for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and for cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is a major viral complication in hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HCT) for blood cancers. Both vaccines have been developed at City of Hope by the Diamond group. The position will be jointly mentored by Corinna La Rosa, PhD and Don J. Diamond, PhD. 

It will be the responsibility of the candidate to derive, store and keep accurate records of serum, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from blood specimens and to conduct immune monitoring in patients/volunteers who are enrolled in the clinical trials. Flow cytometry, and in vitro immunoassays will be used to analyze vaccine and viral responses. 

Candidates should have a strong background in cellular immunology, with documented experience in performing immunoassays with human blood specimens. Experience in primary cell culture, multiparameter flow cytometry, data analysis software, and measuring antigen-specific cellular immunity is preferred. 

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

·         Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology or other related field with 2 years of experience or Master’s with 1 year of experience is required

·         Strong background in cellular immunology, with documented experience in performing immunoassays with human blood specimens. 

·         Experience in primary cell culture, multiparameter flow cytometry, data analysis software, and measuring antigen-specific cellular immunity is preferred. 

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. Don Diamond’s research please visit here: https://www.cityofhope.org/don-diamond

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 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.