Project Scientist
Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site in Long Beach, CA 90806. This is a full-time, 2-year appointment; continuation is contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.
About the role
The Translational Pulmonary and Immunology Research Center (TPIRC) is dedicated to advancing innovative research at the intersection of plant science, human health, and translational medicine. Our research focuses on understanding plant-derived bioactive compounds and proteins and their impact on food allergy, immune responses, and allied disorders, with the goal of developing novel diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies. We are seeking a highly motivated Project Scientist to join our translational research program. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and execution of innovative research projects bridging basic science and clinical applications in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and execute translational research studies to support program objectives.
- Develop, optimize, and validate experimental protocols.
- Conduct immunology-, cell biology-, and organoid-based experiments.
- Perform flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and related analyses.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods.
- Prepare reports, presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related documents.
- Collaborate with investigators, clinicians, and research staff across multidisciplinary teams.
- Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records.
- Assist in mentoring research staff, trainees, and students.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, laboratory safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Contribute to research strategy, troubleshooting, and continuous laboratory improvement efforts.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
- Strong background in experimental design, execution, and data analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects simultaneously.
- Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific productivity.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Organoid culture and 3D tissue models
- Immunology and immune cell biology
- Translational and preclinical research
- Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
- Flow cytometry and cell sorting (FACS)
- Biomarker discovery and validation
- Therapeutic target identification and characterization
- Drug screening and functional assay development
Skills
- Mammalian cell culture and sterile laboratory practices
- Organoid establishment, maintenance, and characterization
- Flow cytometry panel design, acquisition, and data analysis
- Immune cell isolation, phenotyping, and functional assays
- Fluorescence and confocal microscopy
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF)
- ELISA, multiplex cytokine assays, and protein quantification
- PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and gene expression analysis
- Western blotting and protein characterization
- DNA/RNA extraction and molecular biology techniques
- Statistical analysis and data visualization tools
- Electronic laboratory notebooks and data management systems
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 401(k) with employer match
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off
- Company-paid holidays
- Sponsored employee events
- Individualized training and career growth opportunities
Physical Requirements
The employee is regularly required to talk or hear and frequently to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The position requires walking between multiple office locations that include stairs (elevator is only available in some instances) and the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies up to 20 pounds.