Discovery is central to Cedars-Sinai’s mission. Our laboratories and clinics generate ideas, therapies, devices, and systems that contribute to biomedical progress around the world. Cedars-Sinai’s investigators push the frontiers of biomedicine with studies in cardiac care, cancer, digestive health, the neurosciences, women’s health, and more. Cedars-Sinai’s robust academic enterprise shapes the experts who will help redefine medicine for the next generation.

Principal Investigator, Lena Heung, MD, PhD is looking for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join her team! The research of Lena Heung, MD, PhD, focuses on the roles of innate immune cells in the host response to respiratory fungal pathogens, in particular Cryptococcus neoformans. C. neoformans is an environmental fungus that can cause highly fatal lung and central nervous system infections in immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, solid organ transplantation and autoimmune conditions. The goal of Dr. Heung's research is to define the innate immune mechanisms that determine host outcomes after infection in order to facilitate the development of immunomodulatory therapies for susceptible patients. 

Are you a passionate and dedicated research professional? The applicant must be highly motivated and able to work independently within an area of specialization as well as collaboratively with other researchers. The applicant must have demonstrated aptitude to perform experimental procedures (including detailed data collection and analysis), excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills, advanced computer skills, and the ability to work across disciplines and functional units. Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, handling microbial samples, cellular and molecular biology techniques, and rodent handling is preferred. 

About the Role 

Dr. Lena Heung is recruiting a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join her research group in the Women’s Guild Lung Institute. The Heung Lab studies the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in the response to opportunistic fungal infections in the lungs. The ideal applicant should have an interest in immunology and host-pathogen interactions and prior experience in flow cytometry, tissue culture, microbiology, molecular biology (e.g., ELISA, RT-PCR, Western blotting, cloning), and rodent studies (e.g., infections, dissection, bone marrow chimeras, adoptive transfer). Bioinformatics and computational experience would be an advantage. 

The incumbent will be expected to be able to work independently under the direction of the Principal Investigator and in cooperation with other research staff. The incumbent will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period and may develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols. This position is responsible for analyzing and interpreting data. The Postdoctoral Scientist may assist in preparation of grant proposals, but is not responsible for generating grant funds. The incumbent is expected to participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.

Please note that travel and scheduling flexibility including evening, weekend, and holiday rotation commitment may be required 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designs and performs experiments
• Analyzes, interprets, and compiles data for presentation
• Maintains appropriate written and electronic records
• Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures
• Develops, adapts, and implements new research techniques and protocols
• Assists with training of junior lab members and participation in collaborations with other investigators
• Submits fellowship proposals and assisting the PI with grant proposals, but is not responsible for generating grant funds
• Operates and maintains equipment and instruments
• Complies with all laboratory safety standards and policies
• Appropriate monitoring and care of the rodent colony as related to the research project

• Doctorate (MD, PhD, VMD, or DDS) in area directly related to field of research specialization

• Works independently on research projects designed by a mentor (typically the PI) within area of specialization

• Acquires thorough technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and objectives during one to five (1-5) year post-doctoral appointment

• Demonstrated aptitude to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection, and analysis and operation and maintenance of specialized equipment

• Knowledge of safety standards and maintenance of specialized equipment

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational skills

• Advanced computer skills and the ability to work across disciplines and functional units

• Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, handling microbial samples, cellular, and molecular biology techniques

• Experience with rodent handling is preferred

Physical Demands:

Able to work with rodents, perform procedures/benchwork, and use specialized equipment and computers for extended periods of time. Able to perform moderate lifting. Able to sit, stand and walk for prolonged periods of time. Able to exercise physical ability and perspective acuity to satisfactorily perform essential job functions. Duties will require walking throughout the Medical Center.

We offer competitive total compensation that includes pay, benefits, and other recognition programs for our employees. The base pay range shown above takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including knowledge/skills; relevant experience and training; education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. This base pay range does not include our comprehensive benefits package and any incentive payments that may be applicable to this role.

We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve. Quality Care and Research—For All, By All .

Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu) and COVID-19. For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines such as COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.