Trainee Plant Phenotyping Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Project Scientist  

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site in Long Beach, CA 90806

Appointment Terms: This is a full-time, 2-year appointment. Continuation of position is contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.

The Translational Pulmonary and Immunology Research Center (TPIRC) is dedicated to advancing innovative research at the intersection of plant science, human health, and translational medicine. Our research focuses on understanding plant-derived bioactive compounds and proteins and their impact on food allergy, immune responses, and allied disorders, with the goal of developing novel diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies.

We are seeking a highly motivated Project Scientist to join our translational research program. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and execution of innovative research projects bridging basic science and clinical applications. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment focused on advancing scientific discoveries toward therapeutic and diagnostic solutions.

The Project Scientist will lead and support experimental studies, develop and optimize research methodologies, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to scientific publications, grant applications, and collaborative research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute translational research studies to support program objectives.

• Develop, optimize, and validate experimental protocols.

• Conduct immunology-, cell biology-, and organoid-based experiments.

• Perform flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and related analyses.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods.

• Prepare reports, presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related documents.

• Collaborate with investigators, clinicians, and research staff across multidisciplinary teams.

• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records.

• Assist in mentoring research staff, trainees, and students.

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, laboratory safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Contribute to research strategy, troubleshooting, and continuous laboratory improvement efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.

• Strong background in experimental design, execution, and data analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects simultaneously.

• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.

• Record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific productivity.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Organoid culture and 3D tissue models

• Immunology and immune cell biology

• Translational and preclinical research

• Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis

• Flow cytometry and cell sorting (FACS)

• Biomarker discovery and validation

• Therapeutic target identification and characterization

• Drug screening and functional assay development

Technical Expertise

Candidates should have experience with several of the following techniques:

• Mammalian cell culture and sterile laboratory practices

• Organoid establishment, maintenance, and characterization

• Flow cytometry panel design, acquisition, and data analysis

• Immune cell isolation, phenotyping, and functional assays

• Fluorescence and confocal microscopy

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF)

• ELISA, multiplex cytokine assays, and protein quantification