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DESCRIPTION:
The Jonas Lab in the Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine & California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA is seeking a motivated postdoctoral scholar interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research at the interface of nanoscience and regenerative medicine. We are assembling a multidisciplinary research team interested in developing new nanotechnology-enabled methods to support the childhood cancer and regenerative medicine research communities in accelerating the discovery and implementation of gene and cellular therapeutic approaches and precision-medicine-based diagnostic strategies.

With support from the NIH’s High-Risk High-Reward Program, our group leverages advances in microfluidics, nanofabrication, and gene editing approaches to explore the ultimate limits of miniaturization. These capabilities empower our efforts to create tools that enable stem cell biologists to probe and to interact with stem cells more precisely and empower clinical scientists to apply this knowledge to design and implement new therapies more rapidly and broadly.

POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR WILL:

• Establish rapid, safe, cost-effective, and efficient intracellular delivery methods for genes and genome-editing machinery. The goal of this NIH-funded project is to establish new manufacturing platforms for gene and stem cell-based therapies directed at pediatric cancers, hematologic disorders, primary immunodeficiencies, and (recently) SARS-CoV-2.
• Design and apply inhalable nanocarrier systems to enable cystic fibrosis gene therapies, which is a collaborative project supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Develop microfluidic liquid biopsy technologies for generating patient-derived models of pediatric malignancies
• Apply rapid prototyping approaches to fabricate three-dimensionally printed tools for organoid development & toxicity screening of electronic cigarette/vaping products

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent in Bioengineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Molecular Biology or related life science fields of study.
• Solid understanding and experience in micro/nanofabrication techniques, three-dimensional printing, device design and characterization
• Experience in cell culture and all types of cell biology and molecular biology, immunofluorescence/flow cytometry, next generation sequencing techniques, gene editing methods, and biochemical techniques desired
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects and quickly adapt to new tasks
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a diverse, interdisciplinary research environment and to interact with computational and experimental scientists
• Ability to function independently in the laboratory and lead project teams Skills:
• Experience with micro/nanofabrication techniques, including photolithography and three-dimensional printing for rapid prototyping and application of microfluidic systems
• Experience in the design of computer models/simulations for prototyping of project-specific devices
• Background in nanoparticle synthesis and characterization
• Experience with cell culture, transfection, immunofluorescence/flow cytometry, and biochemical techniques
• Comfortable working with human primary cell types including hematopoietic stem cells, immune cells, or pluripotent stem cells.
• Experience in the development and characterization of gene editing reagents, PCR, cloning, and/or Next-Generation sequencing desired
• Working knowledge of laboratory notebook management and data management
• Knowledge of aseptic and laboratory technique
• Meticulous organizational and data analysis skills Duties and Responsibilities:
• Coordination of project activities and collaborative efforts. The candidate will report directly to the PI.
• Oversee development of technology platforms for cellular therapy manufacturing and characterization of cell products resulting from this work
• Ability to work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively
• Supervision, mentorship, and teaching of undergraduate & graduate students, new postdoctoral trainees, and staff research associates in the lab
• Required to communicate well with other scientists, regulatory personnel, biotech companies, sponsored research organizations, and other scientific personnel worldwide.
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication of results of independent and collaborative laboratory research. The candidate will also provide support in publishing the results of various projects.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, educational sessions, general and specific safety training and other training sessions
• Assist with preparation of grant proposals and progress reports, as needed.
• Performs other duties and laboratory responsibilities as requested.