Research Associate - Plant Proteomics

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site in Long Beach, CA 90806. This is a full-time, 2-year appointment; continuation is contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.

About the role

The Translational Pulmonary and Immunology Research Center (TPIRC) is dedicated to advancing innovative research at the intersection of plant science, human health, and translational medicine. Our research focuses on understanding plant-derived bioactive compounds and proteins and their impact on food allergy, immune responses, and allied disorders, with the goal of developing novel diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies.

TPIRC is seeking a motivated and research-oriented Research Associate to support studies focused on plant-derived proteins and their role in food allergy, intolerance, and related disorders. The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving plant protein extraction, purification, characterization, and evaluation of biological activity in translational research settings. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary environment focused on advancing the understanding of allergenic and therapeutic plant proteins.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments involving plant protein extraction, purification, and characterization.
• Support research projects investigating plant proteins associated with food allergies and related disorders.
• Perform biochemical, proteomic, and immunological assays.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and prepare summaries of findings.
• Assist in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting laboratory protocols.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and research documentation.
• Prepare reagents, samples, and laboratory materials necessary for ongoing studies.
• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related materials.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and coordinate inventory of supplies and reagents.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations, institutional policies, and quality standards.
• Collaborate effectively with investigators, scientists, students, and research staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences, Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Food Science, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in plant proteomics, including:
  • Plant protein extraction
  • Protein purification
  • Protein characterization
• Strong understanding of protein biochemistry and analytical techniques.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and document experimental findings.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in plant proteomics, including plant protein extraction, purification, fractionation, identification, and characterization from diverse plant tissues and food sources.
• Strong experience with proteomic workflows, including sample preparation, protein quantification, protein profiling, and comparative proteomic analyses.
• Experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomics, protein identification, and proteomic data interpretation.
• Proficiency in protein purification techniques, including affinity, ion-exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and size-exclusion chromatography.
• Strong knowledge of protein biochemistry, structure-function relationships, post-translational modifications, protein stability, and allergen characterization.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, HPLC/FPLC, spectrophotometry, and related protein characterization methods.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools, protein databases, and software for proteomic data analysis and protein annotation.
• Experience working with food proteins, plant-derived bioactive compounds, allergenic proteins, or novel protein sources relevant to food allergy and allied disorders.
• Prior experience in plant biology, food science, agricultural biotechnology, biochemistry, or translational plant research.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, maintain detailed documentation, and contribute to scientific reports, presentations, and publications.
• Basic knowledge of mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and immunological techniques is desirable.
• Exposure to food allergy, immune response studies, or translational biomedical research is a plus, but not required.

Skills

Candidates should have experience with several of the following:

• Plant tissue collection, processing, and sample preparation
• Plant protein extraction and purification
• Protein characterization and biochemical analysis
• SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and protein quantification assays
• Chromatographic methods (affinity, ion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography)
• Mass spectrometry and proteomics sample preparation (preferred)
• ELISA and other immunological assays
• Molecular biology techniques, including PCR and nucleic acid extraction
• Bioinformatics and statistical analysis of proteomic data (preferred)
• Electronic laboratory notebook systems and scientific data management
• Basic mammalian cell culture and aseptic laboratory practices

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary
• 401(k) with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Company-paid holidays
• Sponsored employee events
• Individualized training and career growth opportunities

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to talk or hear
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms
• Required to walk between multiple office locations that include the use of stairs (elevator is only available in some instances)
• Occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds