Senior Research Associate, Metabolic and Rare Disease

Work Location

Orange, California

Work Shift

Day - 08hrs (United States of America)

Why CHOC?

At CHOC, we strive to be the leading destination of children's health by providing exceptional and innovative care. We are responsible for the overall health of our community's pediatric population in our hospitals, clinics, and practices. And because of our breadth of care, your career at CHOC can be as diverse and fulfilling as you determine. CHOC's compensation structure, benefits offerings, and career development programs are geared to helping you achieve your professional and personal goals. Apply now to see where your career at CHOC can take you.

Job Summary

The Research Associate I performs experiments under the direction of project or laboratory staff. Performs technical set-ups or tests regularly performed in the laboratory or required by the project. Maintains inventory and coordinates preventative maintenance. Participates in discussions about materials and methods for experiments and produces accurate, unbiased, and reproducible results. Analyzes data and assists in reports for publication.

Pay Range

Minimum $25.46 Midpoint $33.73 Maximum $42.01

Rate of pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, education, as well as position requirements.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to join the CHOC Metabolic and Rare Disease Research Laboratory. This position offers an exciting opportunity to directly contribute to preclinical research aimed at advancing therapeutic discovery and validation for rare pediatric diseases.

The Senior Research Associate will play a crucial role in addressing the growing demands of complex animal studies, biochemical analyses, histopathology, and therapeutic protocol execution.

Our lab is dedicated to researching pediatric metabolic and genetic disorders, focusing on lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) such as mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), Pompe disease, and Batten disease. Under the guidance of a nationally recognized leader, our work bridges basic science with clinical care, with a particular focus on gene therapy, genome editing, and the development of innovative preclinical animal models to explore novel treatment strategies for these devastating conditions.

As a Senior Research Associate, you will oversee all phases of preclinical research, including managing murine disease models, genotyping, therapeutic administration (IV, IP, ICV), and biological sample collection. You will perform molecular and biochemical assays (e.g., ELISAs, PCR), assist with histological processing, and ensure meticulous documentation, sample tracking, and data integrity.

This position is ideal for an experienced, driven, and proactive candidate with a strong scientific or clinical background. The ideal candidate will be independent, highly self-organized, and capable of taking initiative in a fast-paced, high-impact research environment. If you are passionate about contributing to innovative pediatric research and accelerating the transition of groundbreaking discoveries from the lab to the clinic, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The Senior Research Associate will play a critical role in supporting NIH- and foundation-funded studies and advancing our mission to improve the lives of children affected by rare genetic diseases.

Experience

• Required: Minimum six (6) months research laboratory experience.

Preferred: Three (3) years of bench laboratory research experience in academic, industry, or hospital setting.

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in science or technology (e.g., biochemistry and molecular biology, biological sciences, developmental and cell biology, genetics) from an accredited college or university.

Preferred: MS in appropriate field of science or technology from an accredited college or university.

Training

Preferred: Research experience in a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) environment.

Specialized Skills

Required: Excellent oral and written communication and analytic skills as demonstrated in successful completion of applicable coursework in an accredited academic program.

Preferred: Working knowledge of commercially available laboratory analysis software, as applicable to assigned project(s).

Licensure

Preferred: Basic Life Support (BLS).

Work Environments - Functional Demand:

Light - Moderate energy level Lift and carry 25-35 lbs. Push/pull 50-100 lbs. (ie. empty bed, stretcher).

Physical Activity Requirements:

Bending, Carry Objects, Climbing, Keyboard use/repetitive motion, Pinching/fine motor activities, Push/Pull, Reaching forward, Reaching overhead, Sitting, Squat/kneel/crawl (Squad & Knee), Standing, Talk or hear, Taste or smell, Twisting, Walking, Wrist position deviation

Physical Activity Lifting

Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Occasional 0-35%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Constant 67 or more%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Frequent 36-66%, Lifting (Waist level and above) - Occasional 0-35%

Sensory Requirements:

Color Discrimination, Depth Perception, Far Vision, Hearing, Near Vision

Environment Requirements:

Airborn Communicable Disease, Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical, Dust Particular Matter, Extreme Noise Levels, Extreme Temperatures, Radiation, Uneven Surfaces or Elevations

Non-Discrimination Statement:

CHOC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, disability, sex, gender (including pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, medical condition, sexual orientation, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or other protected characteristics in accordance with state and federal laws. CHOC will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for positions at CHOC, even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with the listed qualifications for a particular role, as your unique experience may be a great addition to our culture for another one of our opportunities.

If you desire support or accommodations throughout the Talent Acquisition process, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner.