Assistant Project Scientist

We seek an experienced scientist to advance our research at the University of California, Los Angeles Department of Neurology in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Rando.

Research at Dr. Rando's laboratory intersects the biology of aging and stem cell biology. Our research focuses on molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell function and tissue regeneration in adult animals. Using skeletal muscle stem cells as a model system, we study unique features of adult tissue stem cells such as quiescence and their response to tissue injury, and how these features are impacted during aging. We use a multi omics approach to identify epigenetic and metabolic changes that take place in stem cells and their niche environment in aging animals and use in vivo studies to test the effectiveness of aging interventions in reversing these changes. The successful candidate will be expected to work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively under the supervision of the PI and senior faculty. He/She should be able to carry out experiments, to analyze data with minimal direct supervision and to communicate well with scientists at all levels.

Specific Responsibilities

The successful candidate will participate in designing studies with the PI or senior faculty, execute experiments in an independent manner, and assist in generating data for manuscript and grant preparation and revision. The scientist will train junior postdocs, technical staff, graduate and undergraduate researcher's common techniques and assays used in the laboratory. The scientist will also work with Lab Manager to maintain a supportive environment within the lab. Excellent bookkeeping and communication skills are a must

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD. Ideal candidates should have a strong background and experience in general cell and molecular biology techniques and assays. Experience in working with laboratory animals is required. Experience in flow cytometry, next generation sequencing and high-resolution microscopy is desired. 1-2 years of independent postdoctoral research experience in an academic or equivalent setting is preferred.

Additional Duties

* Assist in collaborative projects with other laboratories.

* Participate in routine lab maintenance

* Supervise undergraduate students

Application Procedure:

Application procedure: Apply by submitting your application to our online RECRUIT system at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10851. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter (Optional)

Statement of Research (Optional)

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

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf

The salary range for this position is $76,700-$89,000.

The shared values of the DGSOM are expressed in the Cultural North Star, which was developed by members of our community and affirms our unswerving commitment to doing what's right, making things better, and being kind. These are the standards to which we hold ourselves, and one another. Please read more about this important DGSOM program at https://medschool.ucla.edu/cultural-north-star.

All aspects of searches are confidential and all candidates are expected to review and abide by UC Regents Policy 1111 on Statement on Ethical Values and Standards of Conduct https://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/governance/policies/1111.html.

The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, bullying and other demeaning behavior, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. With this commitment as well as a commitment to addressing all forms of academic misconduct, UCLA conducts targeted employment reference checks for finalists to whom departments or other hiring units would like to extend formal offers of appointment into Academic Senate faculty positions. The targeted employment reference checks involve contacting the finalists' current and prior places of employment to ask whether there have been substantiated findings of misconduct that would violate the University's Faculty Code of Conduct. To implement this process, UCLA requires all applicants for Academic Senate faculty positions to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled "Authorization to Release Information" into RECRUIT as part of their application. If the applicant does not include the signed authorization to release information with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete. As with any incomplete application, the application will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, only finalists (i.e., those to whom the department or other hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer) considered for Academic Senate faculty positions will be subject to targeted employment reference checks.

Applicants must have a PhD at time of hire

Ideal candidates should have a strong background and experience in general cell and molecular biology techniques and assays. Experience in working with laboratory animals is required. Experience in flow cytometry, next generation sequencing and high-resolution microscopy is desired. 1-2 years of independent postdoctoral research experience in an academic or equivalent setting is preferred.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Only references of final candidates will be contacted

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