Orthodontics Staff Research Associate University of California Los Angeles

Position Summary

Within the School of Dentistry, the Staff Research Associate (SRA) will join a lab focusing on understanding mechanisms of cartilage and bone remodeling, regeneration and degeneration in health and disease. This research covers a range of conditions and systems, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and periodontal mechanobiology. The preclinical studies utilize both in vivo transgenic mouse models and in vitro studies to dissect the cellular and molecular basis for skeletal tissue turnover. Studies on human subjects focus on multi-omics of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions (COPCs) for stratification of patient endotypes towards identifying approaches to personalized therapies. Were seeking a dedicated and highly skilled SRA who will take a central role in managing projects aimed at delineating osteochondral and sensory-sympathetic cross-talk in TMJ disease using mice models and in humans. A critical portion of this position involves performing precise assays and bioinformatic analyses. The incumbent will ensure the progress of clinical studies and assays on human samples and will conduct bioinformatic and other analyses. In addition to scientific responsibilities, the incumbent will play a crucial role in ensuring the laboratorys operational efficiency. This includes managing the procurement and usage of laboratory supplies, overseeing and coordinating student schedules, and maintaining and submitting updates for animal care protocols. This is a great opportunity for any motivated and aspiring candidate to contribute to important often debilitating disorders and advance their scientific training.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications

MS or PhD or DDS or MD degree or equivalent in biological sciences and at least 2 years of experience performing basic biological experiments in a laboratory setting. (Preferred)

Having knowledge in skeletal biology is a plus. (Preferred)

Experience in working with small animals such as mice and rats (Required)

Experience in all areas of cell and molecular biology techniques is highly preferred.Experience to include:a) Mouse handling, tissue extraction, and micro dissectionc) Molecular work, including PCR, and DNA, RNA, and protein work.d) Histology, microscopy, confocal microscopy and image processing (Preferred)

Ability to make substantial contributions to the design and execution of lab experiments. (Required)

Skill in recognizing problems and taking appropriate action including asking questions or notifying the PI. (Required)

Ability to communicate in both verbal and written forms, to maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, and to present research in lab meetings. (Required)

Ability to work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively. (Required)

Excellent interpersonal skills - Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and to work as a member of a team. (Required)

Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal supervision and direction. (Required)

Skill in writing scientific reports and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. (Required)

Ability to train lab staff, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and trainees at all levels. (Required)

Ability to learn imaging software programs such as Imaris and R, and bioinformatic software / portals. (Preferred)

Ability to take initiative and to problem solve. (Required)

Knowledge of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and periodontal mechanobiology. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

Master's Degree Equivalent in biological sciences (Preferred) Or

PhD Equivalent in biological sciences (Preferred) Or

Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree Equivalent in biological sciences (Preferred) Or

Special Conditions for Employment

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA . The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Union/Policy Covered

RX-Research Support Professionals
Complete Position Description