: Postdoctoral Scholar: Translational Cancer Biomarkers and Molecular Assay Development

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine seeks a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join Dr. Liying Zhang M.D., Ph.D.'s research group in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The focus is on translational cancer research, biomarker discovery, and assay development.

The role involves collaborating across basic, clinical, and computational disciplines, with opportunities to develop an independent research profile and contribute to grant applications, manuscripts, and presentations.

Qualifications

• Must have strong publications record and ability to work independently.
• Experience in molecular biology and translational research required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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 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

Bioinformatics experience

Molecular biology expertise

Communication skills

Independent and collaborative work

Education

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

Tools

Next-generation sequencing

cfDNA/ctDNA analysis

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: $71,491-$74,140 (Depending on Experience)

Application Window

Open date: November 1, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Jan 1, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jan 1, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position 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

Basic 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

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with DNA repair and homologous recombination
• Experience with next-generation sequencing assays and data analysis
• Prior experience mentoring trainees or contributing to grant writing

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Help contact

[e-mail]

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• \"Misconduct\" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affinative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Los Angeles, CA