Research Associate II - Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma (CTCL)

City of Hope

Duarte, CA

ID: 7094557 (Ref.No. 10015377)
Posted: September 28, 2022
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

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 of 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 in order 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

Christiane Querfeld, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Program, seeks better treatment options for cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), a rare form of lymphoma that first appears on the skin but can also spread to lymph nodes and internal organs. City of Hope is one of the few institutions in the country that offers clinical trials to treat cutaneous lymphomas. Dr. Querfeld leads a multidisciplinary team of experts, including medical and radiation oncologists, pioneering treatments for CTCL and its subtypes.

Dr. Querfeld’s laboratory investigations are focused on the microenvironment in CTCL funded by NIH-NCI R01 and LLS scholar grants. She has demonstrated that cancer growth is fostered by the surrounding nonmalignant cells. These observations have led to the initiation of several targeted and immunologic therapies to restore the immune system and hereby killing the cancerous cells. Examples include a microRNA (miR155) antagomir that inhibits proliferation, an anti-CD47 construct enhancing macrophage killing and a randomized investigator-initiated trial comparing the checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-L1 with/without the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide. Her fundamental laboratory research activities involve dissecting key signaling pathways to advance therapeutic immunologic strategies including mechanisms of resistance.

Key Responsibilities include:

  • Utilizing laboratory equipment and established protocols, performs a variety of research experiments. Records and validates results for accuracy and completeness.
  • May modify protocols.
  • Write standard operating procedures and reports.
  • Maintains records of work performed including results and methodology; utilizing records may calculate, graph and compile data.
  • Develops techniques and expertise in one or more areas relevant to laboratory research project.
  • Ensures that all laboratory activities are carried out in compliance with safety procedures and guidelines in handling, storage and disposal of materials.
  • Follows established City of Hope and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan. Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

  • Bachelor’s degree. Masters 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.

Preferred education experience and skills:

  • Experience with western blots, flow cytometry, tissue culture and microscopy preferred.
  • Experience with tissue dissection.
  • Experience with DNA/RNA handling and Aseptic tech.

Additional Information:

  • As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

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.



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.