Assistant Project Scientist – Melody Li Lab Full-time NEW

Assistant Project Scientist – Melody Li Lab

UCLA's Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics is seeking to fill a part-time Assistant Project Scientist position in the lab of Dr. Melody Li. The full-time (100%) Assistant Project Scientist candidate will carry out research projects that elucidate molecular details of host-virus interactions, with a focus on how viral structural proteins modulate macrophage immunity.

Specific responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

1. Identify job duties related to proposed research activities.
2. Conduct research on the mechanism of host immune antagonism and dysregulation by viral structural proteins, focusing on alphaviruses and coronaviruses.
3. Take complementary approaches such as molecular biology, biochemistry, transcriptomics, and proteomics to understand host-virus interactions, specifically in the context of innate immune cells such as macrophages.
4. Guide research projects and maintain detailed records of experimental work.
5. Train and mentor undergraduate students, rotating graduate students, and other members of the lab on molecular cloning, virological assays, bulk RNA-sequencing, and affinity purification-mass spectrometry.
6. Assist with preparation of grant proposals.
7. Prepare manuscripts and complete revision experiments for publication in scientific journals.

Minimum qualifications:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, or a similar field.
• At least 5-6 years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Effective oral and written communications skills.

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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.

Job location: Los Angeles, CA