POSITION OVERVIEW

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar

Salary range: The posted UC salary scales (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/index.html) set the minimum pay determined by the experience level at time of hire. See Table 23: Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct, Fiscal Year. The salary range for this position is $66,737 (L0) - $80,034 (L5) effective October 1, 2024.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Preferred start date: On or around May 1, 2025; somewhat flexible for spring/summer 2025

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in a NICHD-funded research project investigating the cellular, molecular, behavioral, and developmental mechanisms of chromatin regulator autism-linked genes. This research project is based at our laboratory (Tornini Lab) at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), working with zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant area of Life Sciences and will be passionate about driving important discoveries in basic (neuro)developmental biology. Experience with cellular and molecular biology (including cloning) and genomics (including RNA- and ATAC-sequencing preps and computational analyses) is required; experience with animal models (preference for fish or other aquatic models), embryology (including animal husbandry, microinjections, and dissections), behavior analyses, and immunofluorescence/in situ hybridization is preferred but not required.

The applicant must be highly self-motivated, ambitious, and demonstrate an excellent record of scientific achievements through preprinting and/or peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Excellent skills in oral and written scientific communication, time management, organizational skills, and independence as part of a team are expected. This is an ideal position for applicants with a strong drive to pursue a career in academia and beyond. The successful applicant will join a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment, with colleagues from the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Institute for Society and Genetics, as well as the vibrant research community of UCLA.

For questions about the position, please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Valerie Tornini (vtornini@ucla.edu). Candidates interested in the position should send a full CV, a cover letter that includes a brief statement of their research experience and interests, and (optional) a Statement of Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (max. 500 words). If selected for an interview, candidates will be asked to provide names of three references.

The Tornini Lab found its home in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Institute for Society and Genetics in part due to UCLA’s investment to become a federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by 2025. You can read more about the HSI Infrastructure Initiative here, and more about the Tornini Lab’s community philosophies here. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

PhD (by the start of postdoc position) in a relevant area of Life Sciences; at least one lead author preprinted and/or peer-reviewed publication.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

-        Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

-        Cover Letter (please consider this suggested format)

-        Reference check authorization release form - Complete the reference check authorization release form

-        Optional: Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (max 500 words) – Candidates have the option to submit a document related to their contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Submitted materials in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Choosing to submit a Statement, or choosing not to submit a Statement, will not impact the evaluation of the candidate. Please visit https://career.ucla.edu/resources/diversity-statements/ for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested as an optional material.

Reference requirements

3 required (contact information only) – upon request

UCLA contact: Principal Investigator: vtornini@ucla.edu. Administrative help: theresar@lifesci.ucla.edu.

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/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

JOB LOCATION

UCLA- Main Campus