Adjunct Professor Series
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: October 12, 2026
Next review date: Friday, Nov 13, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Nov 13, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
Position description
The Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at the University of California, Los Angeles invites applications for an Assistant Adjunct Professor position in the Adjunct Professor Series (non-tenure track).
The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research in molecular and medical pharmacology, with an emphasis on human stem cell and organoid models, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic discovery. Responsibilities include developing and applying human organoid systems, genome engineering approaches, genetic and pharmacologic perturbation strategies, functional genomics, and multi-omic approaches to identify disease mechanisms, validate therapeutic targets, and evaluate candidate interventions. Research activities will focus on diabetes and metabolic disease, with opportunities to extend these approaches to other diseases and organ systems. The candidate will be expected to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations, trainee mentorship, scientific publications, grant proposals/development, engage in teaching, and service activities consistent with the academic responsibilities of the Adjunct Professor series and the mission of the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Develop and conduct independent and collaborative research using human stem cells, organoids, and complementary experimental models to investigate molecular mechanisms of human development and disease.
• Develop and apply genetic and pharmacologic perturbation, functional genomics, chemical screening, and drug-response approaches to identify and validate therapeutically actionable pathways.
• Develop, optimize, and implement organoid models and integrate these systems with genome editing, single-cell and spatial profiling, multi-omics, transplantation, and in vivo approaches to advance human disease modeling and translational pharmacology.
• Establish interdisciplinary collaborations across pharmacology, stem cell biology, genomics, metabolism, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery. Analyze and communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and preparation of grant applications and other proposals for external research support.
• Mentor students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff in experimental design, scientific reasoning, research methodology, and professional development. Participate in departmental teaching, seminars, scientific programs, committees, and other academic service activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Basic Qualification:
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in pharmacology, stem cell biology, molecular or cell biology, developmental biology, metabolism, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline. Required.
Additional Qualifications:
• Postdoctoral and/or subsequent research experience in biomedical research. Required.
• Knowledge of molecular and cellular mechanisms of human disease; expertise in experimental design and quantitative interpretation of biomedical data; ability to develop and execute independent research projects; ability to communicate scientific findings effectively in publications, presentations, and grant applications; and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams. Required.
• Demonstrated research experience in organoids, disease modeling, molecular and cellular biology, or related experimental systems. Required.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Required.
• Expertise in stem cell culture and differentiation, organoid models, genome engineering, diabetes/metabolism, functional genomics, pharmacology, chemical screening, single-cell or spatial technologies, and translational disease modeling. Preferred.
• Experience with genome engineering, functional genomics, pharmacologic perturbation, chemical screening, multi-omic technologies, human tissue models, or in vivo disease models. Preferred.
• Experience mentoring students, research staff, or other trainees. Preferred.
Qualifications
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in pharmacology, stem cell biology, molecular or cell biology, developmental biology, metabolism, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Postdoctoral and/or subsequent research experience in biomedical research.
• Knowledge of molecular and cellular mechanisms of human disease; expertise in
experimental design and quantitative interpretation of biomedical data; ability to
develop and execute independent research projects; ability to communicate
scientific findings effectively in publications, presentations, and grant
applications; and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Demonstrated research experience in organoids, disease modeling, molecular
and cellular biology, or related experimental systems.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed
publications and presentations.
• Expertise in stem cell culture and differentiation, organoid models, genome
engineering, diabetes/metabolism, functional genomics, pharmacology, chemical
screening, single-cell or spatial technologies, and translational disease modeling.
• Experience with genome engineering, functional genomics, pharmacologic
perturbation, chemical screening, multi-omic technologies, human tissue models,
or in vivo disease models.
• Experience mentoring students, research staff, or other trainees.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
Expand our reach as a global university
Enhance our research and creative activities
Elevate how we teach
Become a more effective institutionPrompt for candidates for recruitment:
Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Please provide contact information only
Help contact: schiong@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 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.
- “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