Assistant​/Associate​/Full Project Scientist – UCI Environmental Neurotoxicology – Masashi Kitaza[

Position Overview

Salary range: The salary for this position is $76,700 - $134,600. Pay will be determined by title and experience. For more information, see the chart: meaningful link text.

Open date:
May 12, 2026. Most recent review date:
Monday, Jun 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled. Final date:
Saturday, Oct 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) invites applications for a full‑time post‑doctoral researcher position in environmental neurotoxicology. The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and the laboratory of Dr. Masashi Kitazawa focus on the pathogenic role of genetic and environmental interactions in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), especially the impact of neuroinflammation elicited by aging, genetic predispositions, and environmental risk factors such as air pollution and toxic metals.

Researchers will develop animal models and evaluate therapeutic strategies using rodent behavioral tests, immunoblots, immunohistochemistry, biochemical assays, cell culture assays, and in vitro assays (e.g., cytokine ELISA, immunocytochemistry). This role supports multiple funded studies via the National Institutes of Health and works with iPSCs, in vitro assays, and in vivo AD animal models to investigate neurotoxic mechanisms of air pollution and microbiome‑mediated drug delivery for AD.

Funding is available for a minimum of one year.

• Work closely with Dr. Kitazawa and team members to establish iPSC maintenance, differentiation, and optimization to neurons.
• Participate in animal breeding, behavior testing, exposure, and drug treatment regimens.
• Publish original research in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present relevant work at scientific meetings.
• Support writing of progress and final reports.

• Doctoral degree in neuroscience, toxicology, pharmacology, biology, or chemistry.
• At least 3 years of post‑doctoral training/experience.
• Experienced with animal models and/or iPSCs (highly encouraged).
• Excellent data analysis skills and familiarity with statistical analysis software.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English.
• Ability to work independently with occasional supervision.
• Demonstrated publication record in neuroscience, toxicology, or pharmacology.
• Initiative, creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to high‑quality work.

UC Irvine 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 any other protected category covered by the UC anti‑discrimination policy. As a condition of employment, finalists will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years that determined misconduct.

“Misconduct” includes violations of policies or laws governing conduct at prior employment, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination.

Irvine, CA