Recruit
Assistant Project Scientist - Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: October 9, 2025
Next review date: Monday, Nov 10, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Monday, Nov 10, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
Position description
• An Assistant Project Scientist position is available in the lab of Dr. Mónica Medina in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA.
• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research on coral microbiome coevolution and coral holobiont ancient DNA analysis. The work will involve handling large Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequence tag and metagenomic data as well as microbial genomes isolated from different host species and locations throughout the world. Experience with next generation sequence data is expected.
• The candidate should have knowledge of the Unix environment and be able to program in at least one language (Perl, Python). Scientific diving (American Association for Underwater Science certification) and boating (US Coast Guard certification) experience are required.
• Expertise with research aquarium setups for coral and jellyfish husbandry also required. Ability to travel to remote field locations for extended periods of time will be necessary.
• Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, statistics, and phylogenetic analysis is required.
• This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire with possibility of re-funding.
• Requires a Ph.D. in microbiology, marine biology, genomics, bioinformatics or related field.
• See Table 37B (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/2025-26-academic-salary-scales.html)for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $85,000.
Qualifications
• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research on coral microbiome coevolution and coral holobiont ancient DNA analysis. The work will involve handling large Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequence tag and metagenomic data as well as microbial genomes isolated from different host species and locations throughout the world. Experience with next generation sequence data is expected.
• The candidate should have knowledge of the Unix environment and be able to program in at least one language (Perl, Python). Scientific diving (American Association for Underwater Science certification) and boating (US Coast Guard certification) experience are required.
• Expertise with research aquarium setups for coral and jellyfish husbandry also required. Ability to travel to remote field locations for extended periods of time will be necessary.
• Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, statistics, and phylogenetic analysis is required.
• Requires a Ph.D. in microbiology, marine biology, genomics, bioinformatics or related field.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research (Optional)
Statement of Teaching
Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
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, and Sample EDI Statements.
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
References will be contacted for candidates who have reached the final stages.
Help contact: mhernandez@lifesci.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 Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment