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.