Postdoctoral Researcher-Liquid Biopsy Laboratory Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher-Liquid Biopsy Laboratory

The Liquid Biopsy Laboratory at the David Geffen School of Medicine, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers and scientists to join our dynamic and interdisciplinary team. Supported by the National Cancer Institute, our group brings together scientists, engineers, and physicians from UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Our mission is to develop innovative and noninvasive diagnostic tools to improve detection and monitoring of cancer, prenatal diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. We focus on liquid biopsy components, particularly extracellular vesicles (EVs), as surrogates of disease lesions. Our strategies integrate analyses of EV biomolecular cargoes, including mRNA content, surface protein markers, and protease activity, to capture disease-specific signatures. For more information about our research, please refer to the following publications and our website:

• EV mRNA assay: J Exp Clin Canc Res. 2025, 44, 136; Nano Today. 2023, 48, 101746; Adv Sci. 2022, 9, e2105853; Nat Commun. 2020, 11, 4489; Adv Funct Mater. 2020, 30, 20200913; ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2019, 11, 13973

• EV surface protein assay: Adv Sci. 2025, 12, e2414982; Drug Resist Updat. 2025, 79, 101207; Hepatology. 2023, 77, 774

• EV protease activity assay: Adv Sci. 2025, e2415289; Adv Funct Mater. 2025, e2422469

Lab website: uclaliquidbiopsy.org

Qualifications

Basic qualifications:

• Ph.D. or minimum of 3 years of research experience in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or related disciplines

• Strong publication record in fields such as bioanalytical chemistry, bioconjugation, and molecular diagnostics

• Interests in EV biology and EV-based molecular diagnostics

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology methods such as qPCR, digital PCR, ELISA, Western blot, and fluorescence microscopy techniques

• Familiarity with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and NGS sequencing workflows

• Independent, self-motivated researcher with a passion for developing game-changing diagnostics

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in collaborating with clinicians on the management and analysis of clinical samples

• Demonstrable experience in developing novel bioassays, especially for clinical diagnosis platform

• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools, such as Human Protein Atlas, UniProt, Reactome, Cytoscape, etc.

• Practical experience in cellular assays (e.g., clonogenic assay, cytotoxicity, and viability assays) and cell phenotyping (e.g., FACS and IHC)

• Hands-on experience with RNA-Seq and NGS analysis of clinical samples

Application Requirements

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Reference check authorization release form – Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form

Reference requirements:

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and contact information for three references.

Help contact: yazhenzhu@mednet.ucla.edu

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