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Project Scientist Position in Digestive Diseases (IBD) 2021-2022

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Position description

The Division of Digestive Diseases in the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine is seeking applicants for a Project Scientist position at the Assistant, Associate, and/or full ranks. In collaboration with the Martin lab and the Jacobs lab, the focus is on understanding intestinal epithelial biology during homeostasis and in the context of intestinal disease. We investigate this topic through the use of primary intestinal organoid models derived from human patient biopsies. We attempt to carefully reconstruct the intestinal crypt niche and the microenvironments associated with inflammatory signaling and intestinal epithelial repair by employing co-culture systems of intestinal organoids and immune, stromal, or muscle cells. We are investigating the pro-inflammatory and inflammation resolving cross-talk between innate immune cells and intestinal epithelium for our current project. Using organoids derived from healthy and IBD patients, we are further asking whether exposure to chronic inflammation dysregulates this cross-talk by sensitizing epithelium to over or under amplify inflammatory inputs. We will employ a mass spectrometry-based -omics approach to analyze the secreted communication signals between epithelium and innate immune cells, focusing on both lipid and protein inflammatory mediators.

We are seeking candidates to perform the human and murine organoid modeling portion of these studies. This will require expertise in the isolation, propagation, and characterization of the enteroids in 3D and 2D configurations as well as the utilization of lentiviral shRNAs to modulate critical epithelial effectors of the innate immune response. The candidate is also expected to plan experiments, coordinate with other members of the laboratory, troubleshoot technical issues that arise during the course of these studies, and analyze data. A Ph.D. is required.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

A Ph.D. is required

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

Not required.

Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF06401

Help contact: lgutierrez@mednet.ucla.edu

About UCLA

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.