Postdoctoral Researcher-Liquid Biopsy Laboratory
The University of California, Los Angeles
About this position
Position Overview
Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar Salary range: $66,737-$80,034. Salary based on experience.
Application Window
Open date: August 18, 2025 Most recent review date:Monday, Aug 18, 2025 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: Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026 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 Liquid Biopsy Laboratory (https://uclaliquidbiopsy.org) 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: https://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 requirementsCurriculum 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. Apply link:https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10568 Help contact:yazhenzhu@mednet.ucla.edu
Job Location
Los Angeles, CA Apply now to Postdoctoral Researcher-Liquid Biopsy Laboratory or Log in to your portfolio Need help? Contact the hiring department. The University of California, Los Angeles is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. You have the right to an equal employment opportunity. The University of California, Los Angeles is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. See our Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act Annual Security Reports Academic RECRUIT Personnel System University of California, Los Angeles Accessibility About California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Opt-Out IconPrivacy Policy © 2007-2026 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.