: Postdoctoral Scholar: Translational Cancer Biomarkers and Molecular Assay Development Full-time

Postdoctoral Scholar: Translational Cancer Biomarkers and Molecular Assay Development

Salary range: $71,491-$74,140 (Depending on Experience)

Position overview

Application window: Open date: November 1, 2026. Next review date: Friday, Jan 1, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Friday, Jan 1, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. to join Dr. Liying Zhang M.D., Ph.D.'s research group as a postdoctoral fellow within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UCLA's David Geffen School Of Medicine.

About the Lab Dr. Zhang's Lab conducts innovative, highly collaborative translational research aimed at transforming cancer care. Our work focuses on discovering molecular biomarkers and developing clinically relevant molecular assays that improve patient outcomes, with particular emphasis on DNA damage response pathways and liquid biopsy.

Position summary: We seek a motivated and skilled postdoctoral scholar to join our team and contribute to translational research projects spanning biomarker discovery, assay development, and clinical validation. The scholar will work closely with the PI and collaborators across basic, clinical, and computational disciplines, with opportunities to develop an independent research profile and build toward a career in academic science or medicine.

Responsibilities: Design, perform, and analyze experiments for biomarker discovery and molecular assay development. Collect, curate, and analyze data, including bioinformatic analysis of genomic datasets. Present findings at lab meetings, institutional seminars, and national conferences. Write and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. Contribute to the preparation of grant applications (e.g., NIH, DoD, foundation, and fellowship awards). Mentor graduate students, research staff, and other trainees in collaboration with the PI. Collaborate with clinicians, pathologists, and bioinformaticians on translational projects.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications: Required Qualifications: Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in molecular biology, cancer biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field. Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology and translational research. Experience with liquid biopsy (e.g., cfDNA/ctDNA analysis) and/or bioinformatics. Strong publication record, including at least two first-author papers in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred qualifications: Experience with DNA repair and homologous recombination. Experience with next-generation sequencing assays and data analysis. Prior experience mentoring trainees or contributing to grant writing.

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

Reference requirements: 3-5 letters of reference required. Please provide the names and contact information for three references.

About UCLA

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.