Postdoctoral Scholar: Translational Cancer Biomarkers and Molecular Assay Development

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The successful candidate will join Dr.

Liying Zhang's research group to advance translational cancer biomarker discovery and molecular assay development. The role involves collaboration across basic, clinical, and computational disciplines, with opportunities to develop an independent research profile and pursue NIH, DoD, or foundation funding, while

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in molecular biology, cancer biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology and translational research.
• Experience with liquid biopsy (e.g., cfDNA/ctDNA analysis) and/or bioinformatics.
• Strong publication record, including at least two first-author papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, perform, and analyze experiments for biomarker discovery and molecular assay development.
• Collect, curate, and analyze data, including bioinformatic analysis of genomic datasets.
• Present findings at lab meetings, institutional seminars, and national conferences.
• Write and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications (e.g., NIH, DoD, foundation, and fellowship awards).
• Mentor graduate students, research staff, and other trainees in collaboration with the PI.
• Collaborate with clinicians, pathologists, and bioinformaticians on translational projects.

Skills

Molecular biology

Translational research

Liquid biopsy

Bioinformatics

Publications

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D./M.D./M.D.-Ph.D. in molecular/cancer biology or related field

Job description

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. to join Dr. Liying Zhang M.D., Ph.D.'s research group as a postdoctoral fellow within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.

About the Lab

Dr. Zhang’s Lab conducts innovative, highly collaborative translational research aimed at transforming cancer care. Our work focuses on discovering molecular biomarkers and developing clinically relevant molecular assays that improve patient outcomes, with particular emphasis on DNA damage response pathways and liquid biopsy.

Position Summary

We seek a motivated and skilled postdoctoral scholar to join our team and contribute to translational research projects spanning biomarker discovery, assay development, and clinical validation. The scholar will work closely with the PI and collaborators across basic, clinical, and computational disciplines, with opportunities to develop an independent research profile and build toward a career in academic science or medicine.

Responsibilities

• Design, perform, and analyze experiments for biomarker discovery and molecular assay development
• Collect, curate, and analyze data, including bioinformatic analysis of genomic datasets
• Present findings at lab meetings, institutional seminars, and national conferences
• Write and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication
• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications (e.g., NIH, DoD, foundation, and fellowship awards)
• Mentor graduate students, research staff, and other trainees in collaboration with the PI
• Collaborate with clinicians, pathologists, and bioinformaticians on translational projects

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in molecular biology, cancer biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology and translational research
• Experience with liquid biopsy (e.g., cfDNA/ctDNA analysis) and/or bioinformatics
• Strong publication record, including at least two first-author papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment