The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, has an opening for a full-time Assistant Project Scientist.
The Assistant Project Scientist candidate will perform independent research investigating the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of metabolic adaptation and therapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Their work will focus on 1) characterizing glucose uptake in murine and human tumors by positron emission tomography, 2) exploring the role of mitochondrial activity in tumorigenicity of NSCLC, 3) performing biomarker validation using both biochemical and immunohistochemical (IHC) techniques and 4) performing pre-clinical trials in KrasMUT genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and patient derived organoids of NSCLC testing metabolic and epigenetic therapies.
Responsibilities:
Develop concepts, identify or generate reagents, perform logical series of experiments to develop understanding of role of glucose metabolism and mitochondrial potential in driving progression of premalignancy to NSCLC. Additional responsibilities include: genotyping mice, induction of lung tumors in mice, performing micro PET and CT imaging on mice, daily dosing of mice, euthanize moribund mice, harvest of tissue, tissue analysis by biochemical and immunohistological approaches.
Specific Responsibilities:
• Report directly to the Principal Investigator.
• Carry out experiments and analyze the data generated with minimal supervision.
• Mentor undergraduates, graduate students, and new postdoctoral trainees in the lab.
• Work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively.
• Assist with preparation of grant proposals.
• Deliver effective presentations and participate actively in weekly laboratory meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.
• Communicate effectively with other scientists worldwide.
• Maintain and organize the maintenance of critical equipment.
• Organize laboratory safety protocols and inventory systems.
Required Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in biomedical sciences or related field
• Minimum of 5 years experience in biomedical research with a focus on mouse models of cancer, PET imaging, metabolic flux analysis, biomarker validation and translational research.
Required Skills:
• Experience in molecular and cell biology and 2+ years of specific experience in PET imaging and translational related lung cancer research in experimental animals and cellular systems.
• Experience in recombinant DNA technology, PCR, cell culture techniques, basic biochemistry, immunohistochemistry and mouse models of disease.
• Ability to handle several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to train and advise laboratory personnel.
• Ability to maintain high quality scientific records.
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