The Kappel Lab at UCLA is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Scholar to perform cutting-edge wet-lab research. The Kappel Lab investigates how RNA and protein sequences encode molecular and cellular functions, with a focus on how RNA-binding proteins regulate RNA metabolism and how this goes awry in disease. The Postdoctoral Scholar will contribute to this goal by applying high-throughput experimental methods — especially utilizing imaging and sequencing technologies — to map multiscale structures and function for large libraries of protein and RNA sequences. Job responsibilities include leading independent research projects, designing and executing experiments, managing and ordering supplies, maintaining lab equipment, and training graduate students and undergrads. The Postdoctoral Scholar will be expected to have strong organizational skills, maintain high-quality documentation (lab notebook, protocols, inventory, etc.), communicate clearly, keep track of multiple projects simultaneously, and be comfortable troubleshooting in the lab.

Highly desired technical skills for this role include experience with molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, fluorescent microscopy, and next-generation sequencing. Experience with FACS and in vitro protein and RNA biochemistry is also desirable, but not required. Candidates who do not have experience in these specific areas, but have related wet-lab experience, and are creative and eager to learn are also highly encouraged to apply. We value scientific and cultural diversity and strive to create an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for all lab members.
There is no clinical work associated with this position.

General and specific supervision is provided by Professor Kappel.

Responsibilities:

Lab maintenance and materials acquisition
a) Ordering laboratory supplies as needed and/or requested
b) Researching pricing, comparison shopping, contacting vendors for quotations, negotiating discounts
c) Maintaining lab equipment (scheduling repairs, maintenance, etc)

Note keeping, writing and figure generation

a) Laboratory record keeping including: standard operating procedures, chemical inventory, freezer inventory, equipment manuals, warranties, software, etc.
b) Cataloging and archiving of laboratory notebooks and research materials
d) Generating and maintaining databases for all digital documents
e) Generation and manipulation of charts, tables, figures, and micrographs
j) Generation of project-specific presentations including but not limited to web pages (HTML and CSS editing, artwork, copy editing, and hyperlinks to supporting information), PowerPoint presentations, or graphics (Illustrator, Photoshop or equivalent)
Laboratory Safety
a) Comply with UCLA EH&S safety policies.
b) Report all accidents in laboratories to Chemical Safety Officer.
c) Creating chemical waste manifests and proper disposal of chemical wastes in compliance with UCLA EH&S regulation.
Laboratory Research
a) Cloning and other basic molecular biology techniques
b) Mammalian cell culture
c) Fluorescent microscopy
d) Sorting cell populations with FACS
e) Next-generation sequencing
f) Designing and performing optical pooled screening experiments

Required Qualifications:

PhD in any relevant biosciences discipline. 2.Familiarity with laboratory and electronic instrumentation. Technical and scientific ability for operation, instruction, routine calibration, service maintenance and minor repair. 3.Experience with molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, fluorescent microscopy, next-generation sequencing. 4.Working knowledge of laboratory and occupation safety practices and procedures. 5.Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey procedures in a clear concise manner.