Assistant Adjunct Professor in Molecular and Medical Pharmacology

The Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at the University of California, Los Angeles invites applications for an Assistant Adjunct Professor position in the Adjunct Professor Series (non-tenure track).

The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research in molecular and medical pharmacology, with an emphasis on human stem cell and organoid models, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic discovery. Responsibilities include developing and applying human organoid systems, genome engineering approaches, genetic and pharmacologic perturbation strategies, functional genomics, and multi-omic approaches to identify disease mechanisms, validate therapeutic targets, and evaluate candidate interventions.

Research activities will focus on diabetes and metabolic disease, with opportunities to extend these approaches to other diseases and organ systems. The candidate will be expected to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations, trainee mentorship, scientific publications, grant proposals/development, engage in teaching, and service activities consistent with the academic responsibilities of the Adjunct Professor series and the mission of the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology.

• Develop and conduct independent and collaborative research using human stem cells, organoids, and complementary experimental models to investigate molecular mechanisms of human development and disease.
• Develop and apply genetic and pharmacologic perturbation, functional genomics, chemical screening, and drug-response approaches to identify and validate therapeutically actionable pathways.
• Develop, optimize, and implement organoid models and integrate these systems with genome editing, single-cell and spatial profiling, multi-omics, transplantation, and in vivo approaches to advance human disease modeling and translational pharmacology.
• Establish interdisciplinary collaborations across pharmacology, stem cell biology, genomics, metabolism, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery. Analyze and communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and preparation of grant applications and other proposals for external research support.
• Mentor students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff in experimental design, scientific reasoning, research methodology, and professional development. Participate in departmental teaching, seminars, scientific programs, committees, and other academic service activities.

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in pharmacology, stem cell biology, molecular or cell biology, developmental biology, metabolism, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline. Required.

• Postdoctoral and/or subsequent research experience in biomedical research. Required.
• Knowledge of molecular and cellular mechanisms of human disease; expertise in experimental design and quantitative interpretation of biomedical data; ability to develop and execute independent research projects; ability to communicate scientific findings effectively in publications, presentations, and grant applications; and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams. Required.
• Demonstrated research experience in organoids, disease modeling, molecular and cellular biology, or related experimental systems. Required.
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Required.
• Expertise in stem cell culture and differentiation, organoid models, genome engineering, diabetes/metabolism, functional genomics, pharmacology, chemical screening, single-cell or spatial technologies, and translational disease modeling. Preferred.
• Experience with genome engineering, functional genomics, pharmacologic perturbation, chemical screening, multi-omic technologies, human tissue models, or in vivo disease models. Preferred.
• Experience mentoring students, research staff, or other trainees. Preferred.