Shariati Lab: Project Scientist

Position overview

Position title: Shariati Lab:
Assistant Project Scientist

Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. A reasonable estimate for this position is $97,00 - $117,500.

Percent time: 80%

Anticipated start: As soon as possible after initial review of the applications.

Position duration: Initial appointment will be for six months, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding and work.

Open date: November 19, 2025

Next review date: Friday, Dec 19, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Nov 19, 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 Biomolecular Engineering Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for an assistant project scientist who will work under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Ali Shariati. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented project scientist to join our lab studying early mammalian development using stem cell-based embryo models. The successful candidate will contribute to projects focused on engineering and characterizing embryonic stem cells, assembling 3D embryo-like structures, and performing molecular and imaging-based assays.

Responsibilities include routine stem cell culture, molecular cloning, viral transduction, and basic molecular biology and microscopy techniques. The position also involves maintaining lab organization, managing reagents, and assisting with data collection and analysis. This role offers opportunities for training in advanced CRISPR-based genome engineering and quantitative imaging approaches within a collaborative research environment.

Applicants with any of the following areas of experience are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Familiarity with 3D stem cell or embryo model systems (e.g., blastoids, gastruloids, embryoid bodies);
• Proficiency in molecular cloning techniques such as PCR, restriction digestion, Gibson assembly, plasmid design, and bacterial transformation;
• Experience with transfection/transduction methods (e.g., lentiviral or CRISPR-based systems);
• Basic knowledge of microscopy, immunostaining, and RNA/DNA extraction;
• Ability to maintain accurate lab records, manage reagents, and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs);
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research group;
• Commitment to maintaining sterile technique and safety standards in a BSL-2 cell culture environment; and/or
• Enthusiasm for learning new techniques and contributing to multidisciplinary projects in developmental and stem cell biology.

Biomolecular Engineering (BME): (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Shariati Lab: /

Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted):

• Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in molecular biology, developmental biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of four (4) years of hands‑on experience with mammalian embryonic stem cell (ESC/iPSC) culture, including maintenance, passaging, and differentiation.

Your application must demonstrate (e.g., in your C.V.) that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required
• Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation. Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.
• * All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party…