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Ivan, SRA III at UCLA Health: Advize Career Interview
A career in cancer immunotherapy research at UCLA Health offers a dynamic and rewarding path.
The interview with a Staff Research Associate III reveals a journey beginning with a summer internship, leading to a Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics degree, and culminating in a fulfilling role isolating cells and managing biobanking for melanoma research.
Daily tasks are varied, requiring proficiency in lab techniques and strong teamwork.
Success hinges on meticulousness, collaboration, and a growth mindset—continuously developing skills and embracing challenges like navigating a historically rich lab's archives.
The work is deeply satisfying, driven by a passion for immunology and a collaborative environment focused on finding a cure.
Opportunities for undergraduates include volunteer work, research programs (SRP 99, SRRP 199), work-study options, and leveraging bilingual skills.
This career combines scientific rigor with meaningful contributions to the healthcare field, offering a compelling model for ambitious students.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Ivan Perez Garcilazo
SRA III
UCLA Health
UCLA, UCLA Extension
UC Irvine, M.S. Pharmacology
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare
Research and Development (R&D)
First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Staff Research Associate III at UCLA Health
Ivan's career path began with a summer internship at LA Biomed in 2013, where they "learned what cell culture work was," laying the foundation for their bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics from UCLA (2017). Following a brief three-month job search, a position at UCLA's repos lab specializing in melanoma cancer immunotherapy commenced their current career.
Main Responsibilities of a Staff Research Associate III at UCLA Health
Ivan's main responsibilities as a SRA III at UCLA Health involve "isolation of plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)" from melanoma patients for cancer immunotherapy research. Additionally, the role includes biobanking, encompassing the storage and organization of various materials such as "biopsies, blocks, tissue samples, blood, plasma, PBMCs, and cell lines."
A Day in the Life of a Staff Research Associate III at UCLA Health
A day for a Staff Research Associate III at UCLA Health is highly "variable," depending on the specific field; however, common skills include proficiency in lab techniques and effective teamwork, as illustrated by Ivan's experience with whole blood sample handling and organization. This variability highlights the diverse nature of the SRA III role.
Most Important Skills For An SRA III At UCLA Health
For a SRA III at UCLA Health, steady hands and scientific knowledge are crucial, as is the ability to "collaborate and communicate with others." Beyond those specific requirements, strong organizational skills, discipline, and a detail-oriented approach are essential for success, along with remembering that "teamwork makes the dream work."
Favorite Parts Of Being A SRA III At UCLA Health
Ivan, a SRA III at UCLA Health, most enjoys the collaborative teamwork and "people that are so professional, so kind, so deeply invested in their pursuit of knowledge and growth," particularly the shared commitment to finding a cancer cure. Ivan also finds satisfaction in the detailed lab work, such as "blood processing where Ivan lays it down into those plasmas and PBMCs," highlighting a fulfilling balance of team interaction and individual contributions.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Staff Research Associate III at UCLA Health
Ivan's biggest challenge as a SRA III at UCLA Health is the lab's long history (since before 2015), resulting in difficulties "isolating these things" and locating samples due to past turnover and lost information. This requires significant effort to track down and rectify past issues while preventing future occurrences.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Healthcare Industry As A Staff Research Associate III
Ivan's favorite aspect of the health industry is "the science of it all," specifically immunology and chemistry, allowing continued learning in cancer immunotherapy where they "reinvigorate your immune system to help fight back against the cancer." This passion for the scientific process fuels Ivan's career satisfaction.
Who Thrives in Research According to a Research Associate at UCLA Health
Ivan, a SRA III at UCLA Health, highlights the importance of "knowing who you are and that this is what you truly want" for career success, emphasizing that a combination of strong communication skills, drive, discipline, and organization are key to thriving, not only in the sciences but in any field. The long-term perspective, viewing a career as "a marathon, not a race," is also crucial for sustained success.
What a Research Associate at UCLA Health wishes they had known before entering the healthcare industry
Ivan, a SRA III at UCLA Health, emphasizes the importance of a "growth mindset" for success in the field, advising that skills constantly evolve and require continuous expansion to avoid stagnation. The most crucial lesson learned is the need for ongoing development, stressing that "you're not know, you shouldn't stay stagnant."
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Researchers At UCLA Health
To gain entry-level experience, Ivan, a SRA III at UCLA Health, suggests exploring volunteer opportunities or the "UCLA Undergraduate Science Research Portal" to find "student research program credit," specifically mentioning SRP 99 and SRRP 199. Further, the career professional highlights work-study programs accessible through "myUCLA" or the "College and Career Center" as paid options for skill development, emphasizing that "everybody loves a good volunteer."
Significant Career Lesson From a Staff Research Associate III at UCLA Health
Ivan, a SRA III at UCLA Health, cites a "growth mindset" as the most significant career lesson learned, emphasizing the importance of focusing on continuous self-improvement and skill development. This approach, coupled with collaboration, allows for enjoyment and success throughout a long-term career, as Ivan notes that one "better enjoy it and...figure out [how to] improve [their] skillset".
College Experiences That Helped a Staff Research Associate III at UCLA Health Succeed
Ivan's major in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics ("MIMG program") was pivotal in shaping their career path at UCLA Health, directly leading to their current role. Consistent effort, actively seeking help from professors ("going to office hours with actual questions"), and a genuine "desire to learn and improve" are key ingredients for success, according to Ivan, applicable to both academic and professional settings.
How Identity Influenced A Staff Research Associate III's Career At UCLA Health
Ivan's bilingualism in Spanish and English has been a significant asset, enabling "translations" and better communication with patients. This, along with the demonstration of resourcefulness navigating college as a first-generation Hispanic and Latinx individual, showcases a commitment that has positively shaped their career trajectory.
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