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.

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table(s) https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t37-b.pdf. The targeted salary for this position is $78,700.

Interested applicants must submit:

A cover letter outlining academic interests and a brief statement about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion* *Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Please see the following page for more details: https://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/governance/policies/1111.html) A curriculum vitae with bibliography; Contact information for three potential references to the application portal at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09918

For more information, please contact at Anesthesiology Academic Personnel at AnesAP@mednet.ucla.edu

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