Assistant Project Scientist

University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Full Time

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Assistant Project Scientist
University of California Los Angeles

Requisition Number: JPF11056

UCLA School of Dentistry is seeking to fill a 50% part-time Assistant Project Scientist position in the Insoon Chang Lab. The Assistant Project Scientist candidate will contribute to ongoing research projects on osteoimmunology and impaired periapical bone healing, particularly under systemic conditions such as diabetes. This position is a 12-month non-Senate appointment.

The candidate will report directly to the Principal Investigator and will conduct experiments and analyze data under appropriate guidance.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

Support the design and execution of in vitro and in vivo experimental studies investigating osteoimmune mechanisms regulating periapical bone healing and regeneration, including studies in diabetic disease models

Contribute to mechanistic studies focusing on immune-bone interactions (e.g., Th17/Treg balance, RANKL signaling, Wnt pathways)

Utilize rodent models of apical periodontitis, including disease models such as db/db or diet-induced diabetes models

Assist in mentoring junior lab members and supporting collaborative projects

Additional Duties:

Participate in the preparation of manuscripts for publication

Collaborate and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams

Ability to work independently on assigned projects

Completion of all required safety training as mandated by the campus Environmental Health & Safety Office and animal training.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Bone Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Oral Biology, or a related field

Postdoctoral research experience in bone biology, immunology, osteoimmunology, or related disciplines, including experience with animal models

Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, and in vivo animal studies

Additional Qualifications (Preferred):

Experience with systemic disease models such as diabetes

Familiarity with oral disease models (e.g., apical periodontitis, pulp biology, or periodontal disease) is preferred

Technical Expertise:

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF)

Small animal handling and care

Flow cytometry

Mammalian cell culture

Basic in vitro and in vivo experiments (e.g., RT-PCR, Western)

Micro-computed tomography (microCT) and histological analysis (e.g., TRAP staining, ImageJ) is preferred but not required; training opportunities are available.

Experience with RNA sequencing (bulk or single-cell) is preferred but not required; training opportunities are available

Interest applicants should submit a current CV and cover letter via UC Recruit. Questions regarding this search should be directed to Meg Malasarte, Academic Personnel Director ( ... )

To apply, please visit:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy,

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Job ID: 522666534

Originally Posted on: 5/28/2026

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