Research Associate Drug Discovery

About the role

Primary City/State: Medical Office Building - 850 N 5th St Phoenix, AZ 85004

• Category: Research Operations
• Shift: Day
• Department: HRI-Center for Translational Science
• Cell Culture experience required

Great care starts with great people. (Like you.)

At HonorHealth, you'll find something special. From humble beginnings in 1927 to one of Arizona's largest nonprofit healthcare systems, our culture is built on warmth and neighborly kindness. Behind every smile is a highly skilled professional with deep expertise and an unwavering dedication to what matters most - caring for the health and well-being of people and communities across the greater Phoenix area.

Job Summary

Join a collaborative drug discovery team advancing preclinical and translational research with real potential to inform future therapies. We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to support hands-on studies in oncology, immunology, cell biology, and therapeutic mechanism-of-action research.

In this role, you will execute laboratory experiments, generate high-quality data, support troubleshooting, and contribute to research programs that connect rigorous bench science with meaningful biomedical questions.

The successful candidate will bring strong laboratory skills, attention to detail, curiosity, and the ability to work effectively under the guidance of experienced scientists in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment.

Essential Functions

• Support the design, execution, troubleshooting, and optimization of laboratory experiments that advance preclinical and translational drug discovery programs.
• Conduct molecular, biochemical, immunology, cell culture, assay development, and in vivo research workflows using established protocols and guidance from scientific staff.
• Generate data that helps clarify therapeutic efficacy, drug combinations, target biology, biomarkers, and mechanisms of action in cancer and autoimmune disease models.
• Process, store, track, and analyze biological samples from cells, tissues, blood, and plasma, as well as from animal studies, while maintaining accurate inventory and documentation.
• Summarize experimental results through clear data visualizations, organized records, reports, presentations, and collaborative research deliverables.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, follow safety and compliance practices, manage consumable inventory, and support efficient day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with scientists, clinicians, students, and cross-functional partners to support study execution, protocol adherence, data interpretation, and communication of research progress.
• Assist with training new laboratory team members on routine techniques, sample handling, documentation practices, and laboratory workflows as appropriate.

Education

• Bachelors of Science or master's degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline Required

Experience

• 5 years, of hands-on experience in an academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, hospital, or translational research laboratory setting. Required

Additional information

• -, Working knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, cell culture, assay development, or preclinical research techniques. Required
• -, Experience or strong interest in cancer biology, tumor-stromal microenvironment studies, drug efficacy testing, biomarker analysis, or therapeutic mechanism-of-action research. Required
• -, Ability to follow established protocols, recognize technical issues, seek guidance when needed, manage assigned priorities, and deliver reliable, reproducible data. Required
• -, Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize results for reports, presentations, publications, and team discussions. Required
• -, Excellent attention to detail, organization, time management, and documentation practices. Required
• -, Molecular biology: qPCR, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA/miRNA extraction, cDNA preparation, and genotyping workflows. Required
• -, Protein and immunology assays: Western blotting, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and enzymatic assays. Required
• -, Cell culture: 3D organoids, human embryonic stem cells, primary cells, mammalian cell lines, bacteria, yeast, and sterile technique. Required
• -, In vivo research: Mouse colony management, tumor models, longitudinal tumor growth monitoring, drug administration, necropsy, tissue harvesting, and sample collection. Required
• -, Data and documentation: GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, statistical analysis, data visualization, laboratory notebooks, and sample inventory management. Required
• -, Experience in translational oncology, immuno-oncology, pancreatic cancer research, autoimmune disease models, or preclinical therapeutic development. Preferred
• -, Experience supporting publications, poster presentations, grant-related deliverables, or collaborative research programs. Preferred
• -, Experience developing or optimizing protocols for assay workflows, biomarker analysis, drug testing, or tissue and sample processing. Preferred
• -, Experience assisting with training, onboarding, or technical support for junior team members, students, or new laboratory staff. Preferred

License and Certifications

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