Skip to main content

Assistant Project Scientist in Cardiology 2020-21

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

The Division of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is seeking applicants for an Assistant Project Scientist position. Under direction of the Principal Investigator, the candidate will perform laboratory procedures related to studies of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and support the analysis and management of data.

The project will use ex vivo mechanistic culture models with primary cells and gut tissue explants to determine mechanisms how infections like HIV-1 infection and COVID-19 alter host cellular responses (involving bioactive lipids, macrophages, endothelial and epithelial cells) to perpetuate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The proposed research is significant as it may initiate further studies to explore the efficacy of novel therapeutic interventions (such as apoA-I mimetic peptides) that may attenuate development and progression of CVD in inflammatory states (including but not limited to HIV and COVID-19). This proposal leverages multidisciplinary expertise in atherosclerotic CVD, immunity, inflammation, oxidative stress and infectious diseases, and the synergy among different laboratories will facilitate the investigation of highly innovative and underexplored questions. The candidate will perform molecular biology and immunology experiments in the study of the inflammatory and cellular immune responses that drive CVD in viral infections including HIV-1 infection and COVID-19, and review data.

The candidate is expected to be fully independent (or require minimal training/supervision) in performing essential experimental techniques for the laboratory such as cell culture, tissue processing (with a focus on intestinal tissue) and immunoassays (such as ELISA, Luminex, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence). The candidate is expected to be comfortable following upper level biosafety procedures related to working with biospecimens (blood, tissues, cells) from COVID-19+ and HIV-1 infected patients. The Assistant Project Scientist is expected to supervise lab personnel (SRA, students). Also, the candidate will maintain basic functions of the laboratory including maintenance of equipment for tissue culture (incubators, centrifuges, freezers, liquid nitrogen) and inventorying/ordering/stocking of supplies (disposables, medium, cell lines). As needed, the candidate will perform literature searches to gather information relating to current research projects. The candidate will organize data for easy access and may perform any special projects as assigned by the Principal Investigator. The individual will learn new laboratory procedures and techniques as needed.

Responsibilities - Ideal candidates will be expected to:
• Lead existing research projects with regards to design, execution and analysis of experiments, guidance of technicians to complete assigned work within specific timeframe.
• Establish independent research projects, present at scientific meetings, write peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstrate ability and desire to develop grantsmanship skills for the preparation of competitive funding proposals
• Form part of multidisciplinary research collaborations
• Contribute to training/supervision of students and technicians in the lab
• Oversee the maintenance of the laboratory.

A PhD is required. Candidates with a strong background in molecular immunology and/or molecular biology and or related disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy.

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 Sample Guidance for Candidates and related EDI Statement FAQ document.

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)