Assistant Project Scientist in the Wong Lab
The University of California, Los Angeles
About this position
Position Overview
Position title: Assistant Project Scientist Salary range: See Table 37B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $76,700 - $85,000/year.
Application Deadline
Open date: April 29, 2026 Next review date:Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
Position Description
The Wong Lab located at the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is seeking a highly motivated Assistant Project Scientist with expertise in bacterial biofilm microbiology, the innate immune system, supramolecular complexes, and synchrotron x-ray diffraction. UCLA is ranked among the finest research-intensive universities in the world. The Wong Lab is interested in multidisciplinary approaches to solving problems in biology and biomedicine, combining physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. To solve these problems, the Wong Lab uses a broad range of tools, including synchrotron x-ray scattering and spectroscopy, quantitative optical microscopy, cell tracking, microfluidic systems, artificial intelligence methods, x-ray and electron microscopy, and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Our current interests are in bacterial biofilms, microbial surface sensing, aspects of innate immunity and autoimmunity in human health and disease. More information can be found at the Wong Lab website. The Assistant Project Scientist will be part of a dynamic team that collaborates with experts from diverse research fields such as microbiology, immunology, molecular, cell and developmental biology, neuroscience. The successful candidate will perform independent research under the supervision of Prof. Gerard Wong (PI). working on research projects including but not limited to surface sensing by microbes, bacterial biofilm development, method development on cell tracking algorithms, image processing, immunology, small angle x-ray scattering. Implementation of AI methods. The candidate will spend a significant portion of time on the development of grant proposals. The Assistant Project Scientist will also be responsible for training and supervising junior members in the laboratory, coordinating inter-laboratory collaboration projects and participating on inter-institutional collaborative research. The Assistant Project Scientist position is a 12-month non-senate position. Duties and Responsibilities: • Candidate should have demonstrated expertise in bacterial biofilm microbiology, automation of microscopy, cell tracking algorithms, image processing, implementation of AI in quantitative biology, structural methods including synchrotron small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). • Develop, maintain and disseminate updated versions of policies and standard operating procedures. • Oversee graduate students, undergraduates, and other trainees in the lab. Additional Duties and Responsibilities: • Cultivate an inclusive, collegial environment with strong inter-personal communication skills. • Work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively. • Work independently on scientific projects and develop scientific ideas. • Assist with preparation of grant proposals. • Prepare operational reports for use in periodic reviews by internal and external review. • Prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals in a timely manner. • Complete all appropriate safety training as mandated by UCLA Environmental Health & Safety.
Qualifications
Basic qualificationsPh.D. degree in bioengineering or related area. Additional qualificationsDemonstrated skills in microbiology, cell tracking algorithms, synchrotron x-ray diffraction. 2-5 years of relevant work experience in above areas in an academic or industrial research environment.
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Statement of Research Statement of Inclusive Excellence Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education. The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows: Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles Expand our reach as a global university Enhance our research and creative activities Elevate how we teach Become a more effective institution Prompt for candidates for recruitment: Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service Statement of Teaching (Optional) Self-Statement (Optional) Reference requirements 2-3 required (contact information only) References may be contacted to verify experience. Apply link:https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10990 Help contact:tmonay@cnsi.ucla.edu