ASSISTANT PROJECT SCIENTIST, STEP 2 University of California Los Angeles
Requisition Number: JPF09918
The UCLA Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (DAPM), in tandem with the Division of Molecular Medicine (DMM), is inviting applications for an Assistant Project Scientist to become part of a growing team performing research on developing innovative methods to vascularize various types of iPSC-derived organoids, aiming to understand signaling mechanisms that guide tissue-specific endothelial cell fate commitment. They also focus on developing novel therapeutic strategies for regenerating vascular beds in congenital heart and lung defects.
The role of the future Assistant Project Scientist will include but are not limited to: 1. Research Leadership & Project Management
Oversee ongoing research projects and ensure timely progress.
Design and execute experiments, troubleshoot technical issues, and optimize protocols.
Coordinate lab meetings and present research findings regularly.
Mentor and supervise junior lab members (graduate students, postdocs, technicians).
Collaborate with principal investigator (PI) on the strategic direction of research projects.
Lead interdisciplinary collaborations with other labs or departments.
2. Data Analysis & Manuscript Preparation
Analyze experimental data using statistical and computational tools.
Prepare figures, tables, and draft manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Co-author and lead author publications from lab research.
Prepare project reports and grant progress reports.
3. Grant Writing & Funding
Assist in writing grant proposals, including experimental design, preliminary data, and budgets.
Identify and apply for fellowships and other funding opportunities.
Provide input into large lab or institutional grant applications.
4. Lab Management & Operations
Ensure that experiments follow safety protocols and institutional guidelines.
Oversee equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies/reagents.
Manage budgets for individual research projects or sub-grants.
Train lab personnel on new techniques and protocols.
5. Mentorship & Training
Mentor junior scientists (PhD students, postdocs) in their research projects.
Provide technical and scientific guidance to trainees.
Lead workshops or training sessions on key techniques and data analysis methods.
6. Scientific Communication & Outreach
Present research findings at conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Prepare and give internal and external presentations (e.g., lab meetings, departmental seminars).
Contribute to the lab's scientific reputation by networking and engaging with peers in the field.
7. Experimental Design & Innovation
Stay up-to-date with the latest scientific literature in the field.
Propose new research ideas and directions to the PI.
Lead innovation in experimental design, novel methodologies, or new technologies.
8. Collaboration & Cross-Disciplinary Work
Foster and manage collaborations with other researchers within or outside the institution.
Engage in cross-disciplinary initiatives that connect the lab's work with other research fields.
9. Career Development
Participate in career development activities such as workshops, seminars, and training opportunities.
Build a network of contacts for future independent career opportunities.
Seek mentorship to develop towards independent research funding or faculty positions.
10. Administrative Support
Assist PI with writing Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols.
Help in organizing lab administrative tasks, such as handling collaborations or meetings.
Prepare or contribute to yearly progress reports and institutional reviews.
Required experience and skills: The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, deeply passionate about science, engineering, or medicine, and possess a strong background in stem cell biology, vascular biology, and/or bioinformatics, supported by a solid publication record. We highly value prior experience in one or more of the following areas: 1) iPSC differentiation and organoid generation; 2) vascular biology and pathobiology; 3) tissue regeneration and repair; 4) bioengineering or chemical engineering; or 5) single-cell RNA/ATAC sequencing analysis and spatial transcriptomics. Candidates must hold (or be on track to receive) a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree.
For more information, please contact at Anesthesiology Academic Personnel at [email protected]
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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy, https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/DiscHarassAffirmAction
UCLA is known worldwide for the breadth and quality of its academic, research, health care, cultural, continuing education and athletic programs. UCLA offers undergraduate degrees in more than 127 majors and graduate degrees in 198 program areas. UCLA has 11 highly regarded professional schools. Eight are ranked among the nation's top 15 in their field by U.S. News & World Report. UCLA is consistently among the most popular campus in the nation for undergraduate applicants. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Benefits:UCLA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including an average of three weeks' vacation per year; an average of 12 days per year sick leave; 13 paid holidays per year; health, dental and optical benefits; life insurance; disability insurance; the University of California Retirement Plan with 5 year vesting and various voluntary UC Savings Plans. There are also special programs and privileges available, such as accessibility to cultural and recreational programs, athletic events, and the University Credit Union.