Research Assistant

Mission Driven, Community Focused About | Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (cdrewu.edu)

Charles R. Drew University is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of south Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts uprising. CDU was founded to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for underrepresented students.

CDU is strongly invested in the local and regional community. The university leads multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in a variety of south Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Project PI’s the Research Assistant is responsible for a broad range of routine to moderately complex research duties. This position involves investigating the role of follistatin in electronic cigarette-induced atherosclerosis, and advancing knowledge at the intersection of cardiovascular biology, atherosclerosis, and molecular mechanisms of tobacco-related disease investigating the role of follistatin in electronic cigarette-induced atherosclerosis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Duties assigned to these titles will require an in-depth knowledge of a specialized field, process, or discipline and may involve organizing and implementing complex research plans, the development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and writing reports (weekly reports and progress reports) containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content.
• The duties will require the exercise of independent discretion and judgment in carrying out research activities within the predetermined research scope and methodology.
• Analyzes and records research data, submit weekly reports to the PI's.
• Perform animal husbandry and care in compliance with IACUC and AAALAC standards, including handling, monitoring, and maintaining mouse colonies.
• Conduct mouse aerosol exposure studies with electronic cigarette devices, ensuring adherence to established safety and experimental protocols.
• Assist with experimental procedures related to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, including tissue collection, perfusion, and sectioning (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence).
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, perform data analysis, and prepare results for presentations, reports, and publications.
• Collaborate effectively with investigators, trainees, and technical staff.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Other duties as requested.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Prior training in cell and molecular biology techniques; experience in atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, or metabolic research is desirable.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork
• Flexibility to work across both CDU and UCLA
• Commitment of at least a two-years.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, Molecular/Cell Biology, or related

EXPERIENCE: 

• At least 2–3 years of hands-on research laboratory experience
• Prior training in cell and molecular biology techniques; experience in atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, or metabolic research is desirable.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork

SKILLS:

• Ability to apply standard laboratory techniques, follow research protocols, analyze data, and contribute effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Computer
• Written and oral communication
• Able to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues

COMPLEXITY:

• The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Occasional stooping. Frequent standing.  Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Position is on site unless specific authorization from manager.
• The work environment characteristics described here are