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Postdoctoral Associate, Diabetes Research/Molecular Imaging

Position overview

Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by level of experience at appointment. See Table 23. The minimum salary rate for this position is $64,480.

Application Window

Open date: May 22, 2024

Most recent review date: Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 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

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate interested in the interface of diabetes research and molecular imaging. This highly translatable research seeks to leverage the non-destructive, whole-body, and quantitative power of molecular imaging to directly visualize host immune-mediated rejection of allogenic β-islet grafts. The incumbent will benefit from co-mentorship from an expert in molecular imaging (Dr. Oluwatayo Ikotun) and a leading expert in Diabetes research (Dr. Daniel Kaufman). The candidate is expected to lead this research initiative and deliver on research milestones described in the collaborative research initiative funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF). Candidates with experience in diabetes research interested in engaging in innovative molecular imaging or molecular imaging scientists excited to engage in research on the intersection of immunology and diabetes are strongly encouraged to apply.

The postdoctoral associate will lead the molecular imaging and in vivo model development of this exciting collaborative research initiative and will be responsible for:
• Establishing in vivo models of immune-mediated islet graft rejection
• Development of novel immune imaging agents and testing in pre-established and new in vitro and in vivo model systems
• Perform corroborative ex vivo assays (e.g. Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, spatial transcriptomics) assessment
The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art lab equipment, and departmental/inter-departmental core facilities to ensure the success of this research initiative. Candidates must be self-driven, highly motivated, and well-organized, and have published first-author papers in internationally recognized journals. Must be able to multi-task and solve problems creatively, with the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with a team. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Desired Qualifications and Technical Skills:
• Ph.D. in Biological sciences, radiochemistry, imaging sciences, or health discipline with an emphasis on diabetes research
• Experience with mouse models of diabetes, metabolic disorders, or immunology
• Experience with quantitative analyses of chemicals, cells, and tissue (ability to perform immunofluorescence analyses, activity assays, western blots, flow cytometry, SDS-PAGE, and related biochemical assays.)
• Experience with bioconjugate chemistry, radiochemistry, and separation/analytical methods including mass spectrometry, HPLC
• Candidates with multiple years of postdoctoral experience in diabetes research will be considered for a staff scientist position.

Interested candidates should provide a CV, cover letter, three references, and a summary of research experience.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Ph.D. in Biological sciences, radiochemistry, imaging sciences, or health discipline with an emphasis on diabetes research

Additional qualifications

• Experience with mouse models of diabetes, metabolic disorders, or immunology
• Experience with quantitative analyses of chemicals, cells, and tissue (ability to perform immunofluorescence analyses, activity assays, western blots, flow cytometry, SDS-PAGE, and related biochemical assays.)
• Experience with bioconjugate chemistry, radiochemistry, and separation/analytical methods including mass spectrometry, HPLC

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Summary of Research Experience

  • 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.
    (Optional)

  • Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

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

References may be contacted to verify experience.

Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09444

Help contact: bomote@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 University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy, please visit https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

Job location

Los Angeles, CA