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Shariati Lab: Project Scientist
Position overview
Position title: Shariati Lab: Assistant Project ScientistApplication Window
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.
Position description
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): https://engineering.ucsc.edu/departments/biomolecular-engineering/
Shariati Lab: https://shariatilab.sites.ucsc.edu/
Qualifications
- 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.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- 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 (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC’s confidentiality statement at https://academicpersonnel.ucsc.edu/confidentiality-statements/.
Help contact: lwillend@ucsc.edu
About UC Santa Cruz
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
The University of California 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 other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.
Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.
Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.
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The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.
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