Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology – Project Scientist series – Nowicki Lab

Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology – Project Scientist Series – Nowicki Lab

Position overview

Position title: Associate Project Scientist

Salary range: See Table 37B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $76,700-$107,700.

Application Window

Open date: January 29, 2026

Most recent review date: Sunday, Mar 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Friday, Jan 29, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Division of Hematology-Oncology in the Department of Pediatrics of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is seeking a Project Scientist. The appointment will be in the Project Scientist series; academic rank will be commensurate with experience.

The position requires a Ph.D. or equivalent and prior experience. This is a non-senate position.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Manufacturing products for clinical research according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines
• Operate in a GMP regulated environment according current standard operating protocols
• Meticulous record keeping and maintenance of GMP, GTP and basic research related records and documents.
• Attend and arrange seminars, training sessions and workshops to maintain competency in evolving current GMP/GTP regulations
• Performing post-manufacturing lot-release tests: Elisa, Colony-forming Unit (CFU) assay, ELISA, Endotoxin assay, Mycoplasma assay, vector copy number (VCN) test by ddPCR
• Culture of hematopoietic progenitor cells for in vitro differentiation into T-cells for proof of principle testing of gene delivery
• Conduct experiments for FDA IND application(s)
• Conduct DNA, RNA and protein isolation and purification according current GLP research grade protocols
• Quantification of nucleic acids and proteins
• Perform PCR and qPCR
• Perform multiparametric flow cytometry to assist on-going specific NYESO-TCR research project for intracellular, surface and peptide target markers.
• Culture adhered and non-adherent mammalian cells, preparing media, aliquots and other compounds utilized in tissue culture with proper sterile aseptic technique.
• Ability to set up co-cultures for killing-assays or peptide release production-analysis
• Ability to set up experiments utilizing real time in vitro cell imaging system Incucyte
• Perform ELISA experiments in either cellular supernatants or cellular lysates normalizing results against total protein content
• Plasmid preparation, bacteria growth on competent E. coli or Stable 3 systems, positive transformants selection and sequences analysis
• Ability of align sequences on APE-software (or-equivalent) and design plasmids for plasmid-vector construction and PCR analysis
• Perform plasmid sequencing and re-sequencing
• Production of high-titer viral vectors, purification and concentration of viral supernatants for retrovirus
• Production of high-titer viral vectors, purification and concentration of viral supernatants for lentivirus
• Determination of viral titer by ddPCR on fresh and frozen supernatants
• Document results of experiments and elaboration of reports for NYESO-TCR team leader
• Perform experiments associated to survival tittering and transduction efficiency on target cells
• Design and re-design of viral vectors for large scale manufacture of GMP and GMP-comparable clinical grade virus.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent and prior experience

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Letters to be used as part of the appointment dossier of the selected finalist

Job location

Los Angeles, CA