Assistant Project Scientist - Melody Li Lab

Position Overview
UCLA's Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics is seeking a full‑time Assistant Project Scientist in Dr. Melody Li's lab. The role focuses on elucidating molecular details of host–virus interactions, particularly how viral structural proteins modulate macrophage immunity. Salary range: $76,700–$89,000.

Responsibilities

Conduct research on the mechanism of host immune antagonism by viral structural proteins, focusing on alphaviruses and coronaviruses.

Employ molecular biology, biochemistry, transcriptomics, and proteomics to study host–virus interactions in innate immune cells.

Guide research projects and maintain detailed experiment records.

Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students and lab members in molecular cloning, virological assays, bulk RNA‑sequencing, and affinity purification‑mass spectrometry.

Assist in grant proposal preparation.

Prepare manuscripts and conduct revision experiments for publication.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. (or equivalent) in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, or related field.

5–6 years of postdoctoral research experience.

Peer‑reviewed publications.

Effective oral and written communication skills.

Finalist must disclose any misconduct decisions within the last seven years.

Location
Los Angeles, CA

Equal Opportunity Statement
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.

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