Research Assistant

Western University of Health Sciences; Pomona (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid time off

Insurance plans

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA seeks a Research Assistant to develop molecular simulation and machine-learning approaches for biomedical research and drug discovery. Work with the PI and team to advance the laboratory's computational efforts and publication output.

The role involves hands-on simulations, data processing, and collaboration with cross-disciplinary researchers in a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• Desirable understanding of molecular structures and force field methods.
• Prior experience with machine learning or Python programming is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct molecular dynamics simulation, AI-guided virtual screening.
• Conduct data curation and data analysis.
• Prepare manuscripts and conference presentations under supervision of the PI.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Skills

Molecular dynamics

Python programming

Machine learning

Data organization

Education

B.Sc. in Computational Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computer Science

Tools

Programming

Job description

As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. WesternU is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture.

At WesternU, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff and students designing their future and the future of WesternU. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others.

Although, geographically, we are two campuses - as humanists, we are one: to enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities and achieve excellence in everything we do. We attract diverse, professional faculty, staff and students that thrive in an environment of humanistic health care education. Join our team of faculty and staff and make a difference.

Position Title

Research Assistant

Position Control Number

S04500

Type of Position

Staff

Position Status

Part-time

Campus

Western University Campus-Pomona, CA

Position Location

California

Department

1504-Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sci

Job Summary

Developing and applying molecular simulation and machine-learning approaches to facilitate biomedical research and drug discovery.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Desirable skills include a good understanding of molecular structures and force field methods, molecular dynamics simulations, basic programming skills, solid doctoral publication record, good verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to work effectively in a teamwork environment with collaborators from different disciplines.
• Prior experience with machine learning or Python programming is required.
• Carry out experiments as directed by the Principal Investigator.
• Organize the data collected in spreadsheet, and graph them using various software.
• Other duties as assigned from time to time by the PI.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• B.Sc. in Computational Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computer Science, and related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct molecular dynamics simulation, AI-guided virtual screening.
• Conduct data curation and data analysis.
• Prepare manuscripts and conference presentations under the supervision of Dr. Lyna Luo.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Posting Details Continued

Work Schedule

• Work hours are determined by the research needs of the laboratory.
• Typically, M-F 28 hours a week.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally,

• Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.
• Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.
• Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.
• As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.
• WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!

Expected Pay Scale

Minimum

Minimum $30.00 Hourly

Maximum

Maximum $30.00 Hourly

Physical Demands

Do the essential functions of this job require lifting?

Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes

If yes, list maximum weight and duration

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to operate a PC in the performance of job duties and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, and reach with hands and arms, and occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35-45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus.

Describe Work Environment

Duties are routinely performed in a typical laboratory setting. While performing duties in this setting the employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold (non-weather), and risk of electric shock.

The employee is regularly exposed to wet humid conditions (non-weather), moving mechanical parts, and high precarious places. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, extreme heat (non-weather), and risk of radiation. The noise level in this setting may be loud due to the noise of ventilation system and hydraulic body hoist.

Posting Information

Posting Number

S01824

Posting Date

09/03/2026

Close Date

09/03/2027

Open Until Filled

Yes

Conditions of Employment - Background Check

To secure employment, successful fulfillment of a background check, including a criminal records check, may be required. Western University of Health Sciences will extend a conditional offer of employment, subject to rescission if the background check unveils disqualifying information or if it is found that the candidate deliberately withheld or misrepresented information. Non-completion of the background check to satisfaction may impact the ongoing employment of a current Western University of Health Sciences employee who received a conditional offer for the position.

Pay Transparency Act

Pay Transparency Act- Western University of Health Sciences is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers various factors in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The Expected Pay Scale is defined as the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Placement within the Expected Pay Scale is determined by internal equity and relevant qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Statement (EEO)

It is the policy of Western University to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment as required by law without regard to age, race, color, national origin ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, creed, religion or religious creed, sex or gender (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, disability (both physical and mental) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), pregnancy (which includes childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), age, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other applicable protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.This policy applies to all employment practices within WesternU including without limitation, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoffs, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. WesternU makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merits, and business needs at the time.

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation #1
• Letter of Recommendation #2
• Letter of Recommendation #3
• Additional Applicant Document
• Required License/Certification

Supplemental Questions

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Please provide the name of the website, individual, or organization.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you a current employee at Western University of Health Sciences?
  • Yes
  • No

309 E. Second St.
Pomona, CA 91766-1854
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