Research Associate II – Cancer Immunotherapy and Animal Studies
City of Hope
Duarte, CA
Job posting number: #7324235 (Ref:10033774)
Posted: February 23, 2026
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Thank you for your interest. Please note, the purpose of this posting is to recruit for on-going and future positions.
For consideration, please email your resume to Dr. Lei Zhang at [email protected]
Pay Rate: $33.99-$52.68 per hour
Join the forefront of groundbreaking research at City of Hope where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. Our dedicated and compassionate faculty and staff are driven by a common mission: Contribute to innovative approaches in predicting, preventing, and curing diseases, shaping the future of medicine through cutting-edge research.
The Michael Caligiuri Laboratory is seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate II (RA II) to join our team.
The Caligiuri lab focuses on NK cell biology, cancer immunotherapy through engineered CAR T and/or CAR NK cells, oncolytic virotherapy, antibody development, stem cell (including iPSCs) research, depending on the individual’s interests and strengths.
Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, or designee, the RA II directs the animal work of a laboratory and/or undertakes animal (mouse) research projects in collaboration with academic supervisor, making innovative contributions pertaining to laboratory procedures which may not change the course of an investigation but, if qualified, do indicate significant independent contribution beyond the RA I level. RA II typically consults with the academic supervisor on the scope and plan of approach to a research project; reads abstracts and articles; organize and plan techniques; plan and assign the work of at least one lab staff advising on problems they are unable to solve; contribute original ideas to the laboratory research; standardize new techniques, especially with regard to mouse surgical, medical, immunologic, and radiation treatments, and train staff on these techniques as well as animal safety; once trained, perform specialized surgical procedures on laboratory animals and prepare written reports of laboratory experimental methods, especially as relates to animal work. After the academic supervisor, this RA II will be responsible for animal inventory, safety, training, and treatment oversight.
As a successful candidate, you will:
Perform a variety of routine and non-routine laboratory animal research experiments. Record and validate results for accuracy and completeness or oversees documentation by lab members.
Troubleshoot procedures if animal experiment results are unexpected or unsatisfactory. Recommend alternative procedures, seek and obtain IACUC approval and documents change.
Be responsible for accurately recording IACUC protocol usage; keep protocols up to date, monitor accrual to IACUC protocols, work directly with IACUC to troubleshoot any animal issues.
Independently evaluate research data and initiate alternative approaches to improve the quality of results by providing input to overall research design and ensure that statistical input is complete before animal experiments are launched. Train lab staff in specialized animal procedures, surgical equipment and theoretical concepts behind unique procedures.
May contribute to the preparation of manuscripts by describing methods and specialized techniques. Keep abreast of new and improved techniques.
Ensure that all animal laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with each procedure(s) by utilizing IACUC safety procedures and guidelines in animal handling, and in handling, storage and disposal of bio-hazardous, infectious and toxic material. Perform all animal regulatory work.
At times when animal experiments are at a minimum, the applicant would be expected to participate in other laboratory processes and procedures, such as flow cytometry, tissue preparation, cell culture, etc.
Your qualifications should include:
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.
City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria:work experience, qualifications, and work location.
City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.
To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, pleaseCLICK HERE.
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.


