Assistant Project Scientist – Yvonne Chen lab Full-time NEW

Assistant Project Scientist – Yvonne Chen Lab

UCLA's Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics is seeking to fill a full-time Assistant Project Scientist position in the Yvonne Chen Lab.

The Assistant Project Scientist candidate will perform independent research on cancer immunotherapy. The Assistant Project Scientist will also be responsible for supervising junior members in the lab and coordinating inter-lab collaboration projects. This position is a 12-month non-Senate position.

Start date: July 1, 2026 or as soon as mutually agreeable.

The candidate will report directly to the Principal Investigator and will successfully carry out experiments and analyze the data generated with minimal to no supervision.

Specific responsibilities include: Design and execution of in vitro and in vivo experimental studies on developing new cell-based therapies. Supervising junior lab members and coordinating inter-lab collaboration projects.

Additional duties: Oversee technicians, undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral trainees in the lab. Preparation of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. Required to communicate well with other scientists worldwide. Ability to work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively. Ability to work independently on scientific projects. The candidate will be required to complete all appropriate safety training as mandated by the campus's Environmental Health & Safety Office.

Minimum qualifications: This position requires a Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomolecular Engineering, or related fields, and a minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience working with human immune system and tumor models in mice (xenograft or syngeneic). At least 5 years of post-graduate research experience in immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and animal study in an academic setting or equivalent.

Preferred qualifications: Extensive experience in recombinant DNA techniques, PCR, cell culturing techniques, flow cytometry, animal research, cancer research, and immunology research. Ability to handle several projects simultaneously.

Interested candidates should apply online by May 8, 2026 to UC Recruit – JPF10953.