Assistant Project Scientist Full-time

Assistant Project Scientist

Position overview

Salary range: $80,800

Application Window

Open date: June 17, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Jul 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jul 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

The Assistant Project Scientist will be a research scientist in the laboratory of Dr. Michael E. Jung. This involves designing, synthesizing, purifying and determining the chemical structures of many novel and patentable molecules that inhibit the action of a new enzyme target, PNPase as a new possible treatment for various cancers. In particular the project scientist will prepare new aryl substituted bis(chromenone) derivatives by old, and in some cases new, synthetic methods. In addition the project scientist will assist other members of the Jung group in learning new methodology and understanding the various methods used in the Jung research group. The project scientist must have skill with both synthetic organic chemistry as well as preparative medicinal chemistry for the investigation of chemical reactions. The project scientist will help in the preparation of research proposals, patents, and manuscripts. The project scientist will be expected to work independently in designing new inhibitors, carrying out synthetic experiments and determining project priorities. The position requires a Ph.D. in Chemistry or similar with at least 5 years of experience.

Specific responsibilities include:

Ability to work independently on scientific projects

Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects efficiently and effectively

Ability to collaborate well with other scientists

Ability to prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals and especially patent applications for submission

Ability to train students and other researchers on methods used in the laboratory

Ability to maintain equipment

Ability to make decisions about the purchase of equipment and materials needed for research in the laboratory.

Ability to supervise safety methods and procedures in our laboratory

Qualifications

The position requires a Ph.D. in Chemistry or similar with at least 5 years of experience.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• 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 institution
• Prompt 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
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

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

Job location

Los Angeles, CA