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

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:
Design, optimize, and execute mammalian recombinant protein expression using HEK293, CHO, or equivalent systems
Purify proteins to high purity using affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and ion exchange chromatography on FPLC/ÄKTA platforms
Perform rigorous quality characterization including SDS-PAGE, western blot, ELISA, dynamic light scattering, and binding validation by SPR or BLI
Maintain detailed, meticulous records of all production runs, yields, and QC results
Collaborate with postdoctoral scientists and project scientists on protein-dependent experimental aims
Contribute to the preparation of research publications and grant applications as relevant
Evaluate and implement new expression and purification technologies as the pipeline evolves
Required Qualifications:
A Ph.D. or equivalent in biochemistry, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related field is required.
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:
Industry experience in a biologics, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting.
Experience with antibody production, engineering, or optimization.
Familiarity with GMP-adjacent processes and regulatory documentation.
Experience with binding kinetics platforms (Biacore/SPR, BLI/Octet).
Background in cardiovascular biology, immunology, or metabolic disease.
A demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex expression and purification challenges independently.
An expert-level proficiency with FPLC/ÄKTA chromatography systems.
A strong working knowledge of protein QC methods (SDS-PAGE, SEC-HPLC, ELISA, DLS).
Meticulous attention to documentation and reproducibility.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
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Basic qualifications
The following qualifications are required:
A Ph.D. or equivalent in biochemistry, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related field.
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
The following qualifications are preferred:
Industry experience in a biologics, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting.
Experience with antibody production, engineering, or optimization.
Familiarity with GMP-adjacent processes and regulatory documentation.
Experience with binding kinetics platforms (Biacore/SPR, BLI/Octet).
Background in cardiovascular biology, immunology, or metabolic disease.
A demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex expression and purification challenges independently.
An expert-level proficiency with FPLC/ÄKTA chromatography systems.
A strong working knowledge of protein QC methods (SDS-PAGE, SEC-HPLC, ELISA, DLS).
Meticulous attention to documentation and reproducibility.
Strong written and oral communication skills.

Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter - Please describe your protein purification experience and why this role interests you.
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
3 required (contact information only)
Please provide contact information of at least 3 references.
Apply link:
https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11382

Help contact:
ochadorchi@mednet.ucla.edu