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Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology- Project Scientist Series (JPF08822)

Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology- Project Scientist Series Apply now to Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology- Project Scientist Series
Job #JPF08822

• Pediatrics-Administration / David Geffen School Of Medicin / UCLA

Position overview
Salary range: $71,500-$188,400

Application Window

Open date: September 6, 2023

Next review date: Friday, Oct 6, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Nov 6, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Jonas Lab in the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine & California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA is seeking motivated and experienced postdoctoral researchers interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research at the interface of nanoscience and regenerative medicine. We have a multidisciplinary research team interested in developing new nanotechnology-enabled methods to support the childhood cancer and regenerative medicine research communities in accelerating the discovery and implementation of gene and cellular therapeutic approaches and precision-medicine-based diagnostic strategies. The appointment will be in the Project Scientist series; academic rank will be commensurate with experience.

With support from the NIH’s High-Risk High-Reward Program, our group leverages advances in microfluidics, nanofabrication, and gene editing approaches to explore the ultimate limits of miniaturization. These capabilities empower our efforts to create tools that enable stem cell biologists to probe and to interact with stem cells more precisely and empower clinical scientists to apply this knowledge to design and implement new therapies more rapidly and broadly. Ideal candidates for this Project Scientist position will have prior postdoctoral training in bioengineering, materials science, or cell & gene therapy development and have a strong desire to grow as an early stage investigator, mentor trainees, and transition to scientific independence.

We have multiple postdoctoral positions available immediately to:

• Establish rapid, safe, cost-effective, and efficient intracellular delivery methods for genes and genome-editing machinery. The goal of this NIH-funded project is to establish new manufacturing platforms for gene and stem cell-based therapies directed at pediatric cancers, hematologic disorders, primary immunodeficiencies, and other genetic diseases.
• Design and apply inhalable nanocarrier systems to enable cystic fibrosis gene therapies.
• Develop microfluidic liquid biopsy technologies for monitoring treatment response to pediatric sarcomas and other childhood maligancies
• Apply rapid prototyping approaches to fabricate three-dimensionally printed tools for organoid development & toxicity screening of electronic cigarette/vaping products

Qualifications:
• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent in Bioengineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Molecular Biology or related life science fields of study
• Background in nanoparticle synthesis & characterization and mRNA therapeutics
• Experience in the design and application of CRISPR/Cas9 and/or base/prime gene editing tools
• Solid understanding and experience in micro/nanofabrication techniques, three-dimensional printing, device design and characterization
• Experience in cell culture and all types of cell biology and molecular biology, immunofluorescence/flow cytometry, organoid development, next generation sequencing techniques, and biochemical techniques desired
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects and quickly adapt to new tasks
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a diverse, interdisciplinary research environment and to interact with computational and experimental scientists
• Experience in functioning independently in the laboratory and leading research project teams
• Desire to engage and mentor graduate, medical, and undergraduate students across different academic disciplines

Skills:
• Experience with micro/nanofabrication techniques, including photolithography and three-dimensional printing for rapid prototyping and application of microfluidic systems
• Experience in the design of computer models/simulations for prototyping of project-specific devices
• Experience in lipid and/or plasmonic nanoparticle synthesis and characterization
• Experience with cell culture, transfection, immunofluorescence/flow cytometry, and biochemical and molecular biology techniques
• Comfortable working with human primary cell types including hematopoietic stem cells, immune cells, or pluripotent stem cells.
• Experience in the development and characterization of gene editing reagents, PCR, cloning, and/or Next-Generation sequencing desired
• Working knowledge of laboratory notebook management and data management
• Knowledge of aseptic and laboratory technique
• Meticulous organizational and data analysis skills

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Leadership and coordination of project activities and collaborative efforts. The candidate will report directly to the PI
• Oversee development of technology platforms for cellular therapy manufacturing, nanoparticle vehicles, organoids, and/or liquid biopsy diagnostic tests and characterization of cell products resulting from this work
• Ability to multitask and contribute to and oversee multiple collaborative projects efficiently and effectively
• Supervision, mentorship, and teaching of undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, new postdoctoral trainees, and staff research associates in the lab
• Required to communicate well with other scientists, regulatory personnel, biotech companies, sponsored research organizations, and other scientific personnel worldwide.
• Supervise preparation of manuscripts for publication of results of independent and collaborative laboratory research. The candidate will also provide support in publishing the results of various projects.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, educational sessions, general and specific safety training and other training sessions
• Assist and work with PI directly to identify new opportunities and research directions for the laboratory
• Assist PI in preparation of grant proposals and progress reports, as needed.
• Desire to work toward transitioning to independence as an early-stage scientific investigator
• Performs other duties and laboratory responsibilities as requested.

Interested candidates can apply online at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF08822

Cultural North Star The shared values of the DGSOM are expressed in the Cultural North Star, which was developed by members of our community and affirms our unswerving commitment to doing what’s right, making things better, and being kind. These are the standards to which we hold ourselves, and one another. Please read more about this important DGSOM program at https://medschool.ucla.edu/cultural-north-star .

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. or equivalent and prior experience

Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter (Optional)

• Statement of Research (Optional)

• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - An EDI Statement describes a faculty candidate’s past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To learn more about how UCLA thinks about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please review our EDI Statement FAQ document.

• Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

N/A

Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF08822

Help contact: rgallegos@mednet.ucla.edu

Campus Information

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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.

Job location
Los Angeles, CA
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