Project Scientist - Biological Chemistry - Gonen Lab

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) is recruiting an Assistant Project Scientist in the Gonen lab to advance MicroED method development for both macromolecules and small molecules. You will design experiments, optimize sample preparation and data collection, and contribute to publications and grant writing.

The role emphasizes collaboration, mentoring lab members, and managing project progress, with responsibilities spanning sample prep, data analysis, and reporting.

Qualifications

• The candidate must have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, or a closely related field.
• Prior experience in small molecule and macromolecular MicroED sample preparation and data analyses.
• Prior publications in MicroED are required.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute funded MicroED projects and prepare samples (macromolecular and small molecules) for MicroED.
• Optimize MicroED parameters, including sample prep, data collection, archiving and management, and microscope settings.
• Perform data analysis, structure solution, and pipeline optimization; contribute to papers and grant writing.
• Mentor and supervise graduate/undergraduate students and technicians; collaborate with team members.

Skills

MicroED sample preparation

MicroED data analysis

Collaborative research

Education

Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, materials science, or bioengineering

Tools

Microscopy and MicroED instruments

Job description

Position overview

$79,400 - $209,000

Application Window

Open date: October 27, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Nov 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date: Friday, Nov 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

The Department of Biological Chemistry is recruiting for an Assistant Project Scientist position in Professor Gonen's laboratory. This position is intended for collaborative research working MIcroED method development with special emphasis on small molecule, membrane and soluble proteins, sample preparation and analyses. The Gonen lab has pioneered the MicroED method and seeks to keep developing this cryoEM method using top of the line equipment and important biological samples.

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, or a closely related field of study.
• Prior experience in macromolecular MicroED sample preparation and data analyses.
• Prior experience in small molecule MicroED sample preparation and data analyses.
• Prior publications in MicroED is a must.

Job responsibilities include supporting the PI in the design and execution of funded projects, including preparation of samples for MicroED (macromolecular and small molecules, materials etc), optimization of parameters for MicroED including all aspects of sample preparation, data collection, data archiving and management, microscope optimization, data analysis, structure solution, pipeline optimization, paper writing and submission, grant writing, mentoring and teaching other lab members, writing budget and progress reports as required, day-to-day tasks related to project management, supervising graduate/undergraduate students, other postdoctoral fellows and technicians in the group as needed and engaging in collaborations as directed by the PI.

Basic qualifications

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, or a closely related field of study.
• Prior experience in small molecule and macromolecular MicroED sample preparation and data analyses.
• Prior publications in MicroED is a must.

Preferred qualifications

• First-author publication in MicroED

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
• UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education. The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows: Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles Expand our reach as a global university Enhance our research and creative activities Elevate how we teach Become a more effective institution Prompt for candidates for recruitment: Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service

Reference requirements

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

Applicants must provide the names and contact information of their references

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: Aff

Job location

Los Angeles, CA