Project Scientist Series Position in Cardiology - Deb Lab 2026-2027

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA seeks an Assistant/Associate Project Scientist to lead recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization, accelerating biologics pipeline from bench to clinic.

Responsibilities include end-to-end production, collaboration with senior lab members, and contributing to publications and grant applications. Preferred candidate has extensive experience with mammalian systems and protein QC methods.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry or closely related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on mammalian recombinant protein expression and purification experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute mammalian recombinant protein expression using HEK293/CHO systems.
• Purify proteins to high purity using affinity, SEC, and ion-exchange chromatography.
• Perform quality characterization (SDS-PAGE, Western, ELISA, DLS) and binding validation (SPR/BLI).
• Maintain detailed records of production runs, yields, and QC results.
• Collaborate with postdocs and project scientists on protein-related aims and publications.

Skills

Mammalian expression

Protein purification

Documentation

Team collaboration

Expression optimization

Protein QC methods

Experimental design

Education

PhD in biochemistry / protein biochemistry / molecular biology

Tools

FPLC/ÄKTA

SDS-PAGE/Western

SEC (size exclusion chromatography)

SPR/BLI binding analysis

Job description

The Deb Laboratory in the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is seeking an Assistant or Associate Project Scientist to lead our protein biochemistry and biologics production efforts. This is a staff scientist position — no independent grant-writing expectations — with a clear and critical mission: build and operate a robust in-house capability for recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization to accelerate our biologics pipeline from bench to clinic.

This person will own the end-to-end production pipeline for recombinant proteins and antibody-based therapeutics, work closely with the PI and senior lab members to support active drug development programs, and play a central role in the lab's translational work going forward.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design, optimize, and execute mammalian recombinant protein expression using HEK293, CHO, or equivalent systems
2. Purify proteins to high purity using affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and ion exchange chromatography on FPLC/ÄKTA platforms
3. Perform rigorous quality characterization including SDS-PAGE, western blot, ELISA, dynamic light scattering, and binding validation by SPR or BLI
4. Maintain detailed, meticulous records of all production runs, yields, and QC results
5. Collaborate with postdoctoral scientists and project scientists on protein-dependent experimental aims
6. Contribute to the preparation of research publications and grant applications as relevant
7. Evaluate and implement new expression and purification technologies as the pipeline evolves

Required Qualifications:

1. A Ph.D. or equivalent in biochemistry, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related field is required.
2. A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with mammalian recombinant protein expression and purification — bacterial expression experience alone is not sufficient.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Industry experience in a biologics, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting.
2. Experience with antibody production, engineering, or optimization.
3. Familiarity with GMP-adjacent processes and regulatory documentation.
4. Experience with binding kinetics platforms (Biacore/SPR, BLI/Octet).
5. Background in cardiovascular biology, immunology, or metabolic disease.
6. A demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex expression and purification challenges independently.
7. An expert-level proficiency with FPLC/ÄKTA chromatography systems.
8. A strong working knowledge of protein QC methods (SDS-PAGE, SEC-HPLC, ELISA, DLS).
9. Meticulous attention to documentation and reproducibility.
10. Strong written and oral communication skills.

The shared values of the DGSOM are expressed in the Cultural North Star, which was developed by members of our community and affirms our unswerving commitment to doing what’s right, making things better, and being kind. These are the standards to which we hold ourselves, and one another. Please read more about this important DGSOM program at Cultural North Star.

The following qualifications are required:

1. A Ph.D. or equivalent in biochemistry, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related field.
2. A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with mammalian recombinant protein expression and purification — bacterial expression experience alone is not sufficient.