Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics

The Department of Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, invites applications for a Project Scientist position in translational radiopharmaceutical and nanomedicine research.

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline and will possess advanced expertise in radiopharmaceutical development, nanocarrier engineering, molecular imaging, and translational oncology research. The candidate is expected to function as an independent scientific contributor, supporting and advancing ongoing clinical, preclinical and translational research within the Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division of the Department of Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics.

The Project Scientist will lead the validation of peptide-based theranostic platforms for cancer imaging and therapy. Responsibilities include the radiolabeling of peptides, antibodies, and nanomaterials with clinically relevant radionuclides, optimization of pharmacokinetic and targeting properties, and evaluation of in vivo biodistribution, efficacy, and safety in preclinical models.

The successful candidate will work closely with radiochemists, and translational scientists to advance imaging and therapeutic agents toward clinical relevance. The position requires strong analytical expertise and familiarity with GMP-aligned quality control practices, radiochemical validation, and regulatory-aware laboratory documentation. Experience with PET/CT imaging, optical imaging (IVIS), radio-HPLC, and associated analytical techniques is essential.

In addition, the Project Scientist will contribute to the mentorship and supervision of trainees, including graduate students, medical students, and research staff, and will assist in the preparation of manuscripts, grant applications, and research reports. The candidate is also expected to participate in collaborative projects, present research findings at national and international scientific meetings, and support the laboratory's translational research mission.

* Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field

* Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals

* Advanced expertise in radiopharmaceutical development and molecular imaging

* Hands-on experience with radiometals including Ga, Cu, Zr, Lu, Pb, and Ac

* Strong background in nanomedicine, peptide engineering, and surface functionalization

* Experience with PET/CT imaging, IVIS optical imaging, and radiochemical quality control

* Familiarity with GMP-aligned laboratory practices, SOPs, and regulatory documentation

* Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams

* Strong written and oral communication skills

• 2-4 letters of reference required

References may be contacted to verify experience.

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.
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