UCLA Bio-Launch Mentors
If accepted into the program, prospective postdocs will use this list to select 1-5 faculty they would like to match with.
Faculty: If you are interested in participating, please review our Faculty Volunteer Page.
2026 Bio-Launch Mentors
Olujimi Ajijola
Associate Professor, Medicine Cardiology
Hi, I’m Dr. Ajijola, a Professor in the Department of Medicine, specializing in interventional cardiac electrophysiology. I have a background in biology from the University of Virginia, and I earned my MD from Duke University and PhD from UCLA, where I focused on Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology. Outside of my academic and clinical work, I enjoy traveling and exploring all that Los Angeles has to offer.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Research Keywords:
Neurobiology, Neuroscience
Research Description:
My research is centered on understanding the neural mechanisms behind cardiac dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias, with a focus on basic and translational science. I’m particularly interested in how these neural pathways contribute to arrhythmia development and progression, and how we might leverage this knowledge to improve treatments. My work is supported by several awards, including the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, and I am passionate about advancing both the scientific understanding and clinical management of heart disease.
Plans to Hire a Postdoc:
Yes, hiring 1-2.
Postdoc Requirements:
None listed.
Mentoring Philosophy
I aim to create a mentoring environment where postdocs feel supported, challenged, and empowered. My approach is to provide guidance while also giving space for independence, helping postdocs develop their own research ideas while giving them the tools and feedback they need to grow. I try to meet each person where they are, recognizing that everyone comes from different backgrounds and has different goals. Whether you’re new to the field or bringing in a wealth of experience, I focus on helping you build confidence, grow your skill set, and find your path forward, whether that’s in academia or beyond.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
Academia, Industry
Hooman Allayee
Professor, Medicine
I grew up in Southern California and have pretty much spent my entire life on the westside of LA. I have always been a curious person by nature which I suppose drives my passion for science and why I have always asked questions.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Allayee Lab
Plans to hire a postdoc:
Yes, we are currently hiring and will need at least 2-3 postdocs over the next 2 years.
Postdoc Requirements:
Experience with genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, and machine learning/AI is preferable. Experience with mouse models and molecular biology is also preferable but not required. Individual will carry out a combination of dry lab and wet lab, weighted more towards computational analyses. We will consider anyone with a strong scientific background in the life sciences, as exemplified by academic record and publications.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
All post-docs (and grad students) who have left the lab have gone onto positions in either academia or industry.
Research Keywords:
Computational Medicine, Human Genetics, Systems Biology
Research Description:
Our work combines human population studies with functional experimentation in animal models to investigate cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We use a systems-based approach that integrates genetic variation with various levels of ‘omics traits (i.e., epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome) to identify and characterize novel genes and causal mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic traits. Through our studies, we have become especially adept at both generating our own large-scale ‘omics data as well as accessing the vast amount of primary and summary-level clinical, ‘omics, and genetics data that is available through large biobanks (i.e., the UK Biobank or All of Us Project), and other resources. Thus, we occupy a unique niche that bidirectionally integrates multiple levels of biological data within and across species to elucidate cardiometabolic and other complex traits. This ability to bridge basic science approaches with human studies is one major strength and distinguishing factor of our research program.
Mentoring Philosophy:
My overall philosophy is to stimulate and challenge post-docs to think critically and independently about the problems they want to solve. I am not the type of PI who micro-manages trainees, especially at the post-doc level, but I do expect trainees to take the initative and ownership of their projects. Having said that, I am ALWAYS available to discuss results, problems, next steps, etc., and like to give post-docs freedom to pursue their own ideas. In my opinion, this approach is how post-docs further develop and hone their scientific skills for the next step of their careers.
Soumitra Athavale
Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
Not currently hiring but have plans to hire 2-3 postdocs in the next two years, depending on funding situation.
Postdoc Requirements:
I am looking for postdocs who have experience in either or all of the following: protein biochemistry, structural biology; organic synthesis; computational protein design, machine learning.
Research Keywords:
Structural Biology
Research Description:
We are a new group in the department with a focus on directed evolution of new enzyme function. We use the tools of protein engineering to evolve/design enzymes with functions that nature has never explored. These enzymes are utilized for solving longstanding challenges in catalysis, chemical biology and structural biology.
Mentoring Philosophy:
Mentorship is tailored to the goals of the student such that the postdoc will be best prepared for pursuing their dreams once they exit the lab. They will receive a lot of direct input from me and will generally by leading an independent project, with support from junior graduate students.
Ziva Cooper
Professor, Semel Institute and Psychiatry
Lab or Research Group Name:
UCLA Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Laboratory (part of UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids)
Plans to hire a postdoc:
We plan to hire 1-2 postdocs over the next two years.
Postdoc Requirements:
Clinical research experience is very much preferred.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
Not applicable.
Research Keywords:
Clinical Research, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Psychiatry
Research Description:
The UCLA Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Laboratory is dedicated to controlled cannabis and cannabinoid administration studies in volunteers to understand variables that influence both the therapeutic potential and adverse effects of the plant (cannabis) and the chemicals in the cannabis plant. Current projects below are funded by the NIH and California State and seek to understand the potential for cannabis constituents to reduce reliance on opioids, differences between men and women in their response to the pain-relieving effects of cannabis, and effects of cannabis as a function of age.
Mentoring Philosophy:
My mentorship philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific rigor, and career sustainability. I embrace the style of mentoring that fosters self-motivation and allows the mentee to grow and develop in areas that are most meaningful to them while developing and defining milestones to achieve short and long term goals.
Lindsay De Biase
Associate Professor, Physiology
I am a glial cell biologist/neuroscientist. Also a mom, lover of nature, novels, and really good bread.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
Hiring timeline will depend on outcomes of pending grants – depending on outcome, we would be aiming to hire 1-3 postdocs in 2026.
Postdoc Requirements:
I am open to postdocs with research experience from fields outside our primary area of research. Primarily wet lab but potential for some bioinformatics and also program management of a team grant (only if the postdoc is interested in gaining this sort of experience). We place a strong emphasis on candidates who are good collaborators, who believe in fostering positive team atmosphere within the lab, and who are open to mentoring undergraduate researchers.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
We are still a relatively “young” lab. One of my postdocs is currently on the academic job market. He secured a prestigious Simons Foundation career transition award and his first paper from lab was just accepted in Nature Communications. My other postdoc recently accepted a second postdoc position at UCLA to learn additional skills that will help her be optimally competitive on the academic job market in 1-2 years from now. We are currently writing up her main project from the lab and anticipate submitting to Cell.
Research Keywords:
Immunology, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience
Research Description:
Our research team works to understand how microglia (and other glial cells) shape circuit maturation during neurodevelopment and changes in cognition / vulnerability to neurodegeneration during aging. We leverage a combination of confocal imaging, multiphoton imaging, slice electrophysiology, flow cytometry, transcriptomics and proteomics to study glial-neuron interactions. In the context of neurodevelopment, we are working to understand how microglia and microglia-astrocyte dialog may be involved in linking early life stress to later life risk for psychiatric illness, including addiction. In the context of aging, we are working to understand how regional differences in microglial aging contribute to which populations of neurons are vulnerable to Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Part of these efforts involve working to reveal how the state of microglial lysosomes and microglial mitochondria regulate aging trajectories of these cells.
Mentoring Philosophy:
My aim is to build a relationship of consistent open communication and trust through regular one-on-one meetings, discussion of mutual expectations and goals, and occasional lab social events. For postdocs in particular, we aim to build 1 to 3 to 5 year goals based on career objectives and identify milestones that will help the postdoc fellow achieve that career goal. I provide ample advice for project objectives, abstract, poster, oral presentation preparation etc. but also aim to progressively give the postdoc fellow more “space” to independently guide the project development. I am open to and excited to hear about new research avenues that the the postdoc brings to the lab and wants to explore and we can work together to seek funding to support that new line of research. I am very open with sharing my experiences during postdoc, job search, and launching an independent research program. If the postdoc fellow is aiming at another career path, I also help to connect the fellow with individuals who can share their experiences moving toward that particular career goal.
Kacie Deters
Assistant Professor, Integrative Biology and Physiology
I’m Kacie Deters, an Assistant Professor in Integrative Biology and Physiology. I’m passionate about understanding and addressing disparities in brain health and advancing equitable approaches to neuroscience research.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
I am currently looking to hire 1 postdoc.
Postdoc Requirements:
The Deters lab within the Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work on projects examining risk factors related to brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a specific focus on Black communities. Projects will leverage existing data (eg. cognitive, genetic, neuroimaging, social determinants of health) largely from publicly available datasets. The ideal postdoc for this position will have experience with one or more of the following: health equity research; statistical modeling; R; Linux; genetic data; neuroimaging data. This is a dry lab experience only.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
I’m a relatively new PI so I have yet to have a postdoc.
Research Keywords:
Human Genetics, Neuroscience, Psychology
Research Description:
My research focuses on predictors of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, particularly among Black older adults. Our studies integrate genetics, neuroimaging, neuropsychological assessments, and social and environmental factors to better understand risk factors.
Mentoring Philosophy:
Postdocs in my lab can expect a supportive, equitable, and respectful training environment that values open communication, intellectual curiosity, and personal well-being. I meet regularly with trainees to provide constructive feedback, goal-setting support, and guidance on research, professional development, and career planning. My mentorship emphasizes the development of critical scientific and professional skills, including writing, presenting, and leadership, while fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. I also encourage postdocs to engage with the broader scientific community through conferences, collaborations, and seminars, and I actively support their pursuit of diverse career paths aligned with their interests and values.
David Eisenberg
Chair of Molecular Biology, Biological Chemistry
I am a structural and computational biologist, working on the molecular basis of neurodegeneration, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. I seek well trained postdocs, eager for discovery in this area of biomedical science.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
Yes.
Postdoc Requirements:
Experience in experimental structural biology and biochemistry.
Research Keywords:
Structural Biology
Research Description:
Our lab is developing small molecule drugs to halt neurodegneration, using a combination of biochemistry, structural biology, and computation. We have numerous meetings each week to stay in communication, and professional staff to help all of us.
Mentoring Philosophy:
Find highly motivated experimentalists, turn them loose on hugely important questions.
Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
Over 80 former postdocs in universities, research centers, and biotechs. Fifteen female lab grads in tenure track positions.
Mingxia Gu
Associate Professor, Anesthesiology
I am Mingxia Gu, an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and a member of the Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA. My training is in developmental biology and stem cell biology, and I am broadly motivated by understanding how human organs develop, fail, and regenerate.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
1-2 postdoc fellows.
Postdoc Requirements:
I am happy to meet a postdoc with research experience in a different field, but would prefer someone with stem cell background in general. I am looking for a postdoc to work in a combination of wet and dry lab. I would expect the postdoc to have a decent publication during their PhD training.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
They are currently based in either clinical settings or research institutions as independent principal investigators.
Research Keywords:
Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Cardiac Physiology, Cell Biology, Vascular Science
Research Description:
Our research lab harnesses cutting-edge stem cell and bioengineering technologies to reconstruct and decode tissue-specific vasculature across diverse organ systems. By exploring how vascular dysfunction, due to injury, aging, or disease, impacts surrounding cells and disrupts organ integrity, the lab aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms of tissue degeneration. Their ultimate mission is to unlock the regenerative potential of the vasculature to drive organ repair and functional recovery across a broad spectrum of diseases.
Mentoring Philosophy:
My mentoring philosophy is centered on fostering scientific independence, creativity, and confidence. I tailor mentorship to each postdoc’s background, career goals, and training needs, providing close scientific guidance while gradually increasing autonomy over time. I strongly support trainees from diverse backgrounds and believe that innovation emerges from multidisciplinary research, encouraging postdocs to learn from one another and to expand into new fields. Postdocs in my lab receive structured support in experimental design, data interpretation, grant writing, and scientific presentation, along with regular feedback and career focused mentoring. My goal is to prepare postdocs to produce rigorous, impactful research and to succeed as independent scientists in academic settings.
Elissa Hallem
Professor, MIMG
I am a Professor and Vice Chair for Graduate Studies in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
Yes, I am currently hiring. Multiple postdoctoral positions are available.
Postdoc Requirements:
Yes, I am open to meeting a postdoc with research experience in a different field. The work in my lab is primarily wet lab work. Experience working in invertebrate model systems is a plus, although not a requirement.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
Postdocs from my lab have gone on to a variety of positions, ranging from faculty positions to science journalism.
Research Keywords:
Neuroscience, Parasitology
Research Description:
My lab studies the sensory behaviors of parasitic worms, with a focus on understanding how human-infective worms use sensory cues to seek out and infect hosts. We are also interested in how parasitic nervous systems have evolved to support specific parasite-host interactions. Our research lies at the interface of parasitology and neuroscience, and we welcome postdoctoral candidates who are interested in studying sensory behaviors in a health-relevant context.
Mentoring Philosophy:
My goal as a mentor is to create an inclusive lab environment where everyone is encouraged, heard, and valued. We welcome lab members of all identities, backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. I work closely with all trainees in my lab to create personalized mentoring plans that will help them achieve their career goals. I meet regularly with trainees to discuss research progress, help troubleshoot experiments, and plan next steps. I also have biannual meetings with all lab members in which I offer feedback to trainees, solicit feedback on my mentorship and the trainee’s experience in the lab over the past 6 months, and discuss the trainee’s career goals and how I can help them achieve those goals. Through these approaches, I strive to maintain an inclusive, equitable, and supportive lab environment that helps all trainees succeed.
Alexander Hoffmann
Professor, MIMG
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
I am interested in hiring one or two postdocs now.
Postdoc Requirements:
Wet lab, experimental studies of B-cell immunology and vaccine responses.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
Over the past two decades, I have had >20 postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have gone on to independent academic positions, joined big Pharma, or started companies.
Research Keywords:
Cell Biology, Immunology, Systems Biology
Research Description:
I am a Professor of Immunology and Director of the Quantitative and Computational Biosciences Institute. Despite that title my laboratory is predominantly wet, undertaking experimental work in immunology. Of course, experimental and computational work interface and that iterative synergy is a hallmark of our research program. We have research projects that focus on either innate immunity and the functions of macrophages, or the antibody response conferred by B-cells. I am currently looking for postdocs for our projects of how the control of B-cell decisions in lymph nodes determine an effective vaccine response. We hope to develop strategies for personalizing vaccination in order to make vaccines more effective and safer.
Mentoring Philosophy:
I expect that postdocs want to establish themselves as independent scientists and so I see my role as mentor to provide the support and guidance so that they can achieve that goal. Publications and fellowships are tickets for the next step and so I prioritize them. My successful postdocs have functioned as mentors of graduate students and undergraduate researchers, developing their leadership skills in building and guiding a team to maximize productivity and fun.
Chen Yuan Kam
Assistant Professor, Dermatology and MCDB
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
We are pending several research grants…we should know about these before the event. If funded, we will be looking to hire at least 1 if not more post-docs.
Postdoc Requirements:
I am open to meeting postdocs with experience in a different field than my own. I am looking for a postdoc for a combination of wet and dry lab. My requirement would be that the candidate have at least one 1st author publication from a reputable journal from their PhD.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
I am a new PI and have not yet had a postdoc leave my lab.
Research Keywords:
Cell Biology
Research Description:
I am a new PI at UCLA having started my lab in February 2025. Our lab is interested in understanding fundamental principles that govern the vascular system in a variety of contexts. Using the mouse skin as a model, we apply an intravital longitudinal imaging approach to visualize vascular cells in their native tissue environment. Combining this imaging approach with state of the art genetic mouse models, our overall goal is to dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms that dictate the dynamics of vascular development, maintenance, and regeneration.
Mentoring Philosophy:
I am deeply committed to mentoring and the growth of my trainees having been the beneficiary of exceptional mentoring throughout my academic career. I do not believe in a one size fits all mentoring approach but rather an adaptive and evolving approach that is best suited to the individual trainee and their career goals.
Stephanie Leal
Assistant Professor, Integrative Biology and Physiology
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Department of Psychology. I am also the Vice Chair of the Undergraduate Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program at UCLA. I was trained as a Cognitive Neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University (PhD) and UC Berkeley (postdoc) and pursue research questions both at the basic and translational levels.
Lab or Research Group Name:
The Neuroscience of Memory, Mood, and Aging Laboratory at UCLA
Plans to hire a postdoc:
I am open to hiring 1 postdoc if the fit is right.
Postdoc Requirements:
I would prefer to meet with postdocs who are already in a similar field. My lab is a dry lab (behavioral and neuroimaging experiments).
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
My last postdoc received an NRSA F32 in my lab. She recently became Associate Director of Community and Public Health at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University.
Research Keywords:
Neurobiology, Neurology, Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Psychology
Research Description:
My lab studies the emotional modulation of memory broadly, using cognitive and multimodal neuroimaging techniques. We also apply these principles to understanding how memory goes awry in conditions such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, our research extends into how we might be able to rescue memory performance through a variety of techniques (e.g. music, olfaction, emotion regulation, antidepressants) and in a variety of populations who have memory biases (e.g. depression, aging, retirement, menopause, stress). We are starting to implement novel imaging techniques to understand subtle but significant changes in brain function (e.g. locus coeruleus imaging, MRS to measure neurogenesis, etc.).
Mentoring Philosophy:
The mentorship I provide for a postdoc is one of research and professional development. I encourage postdocs to apply for NIH F32 grants to gain experience with grant writing, think about what they hope to gain from the postdoctoral experience that is new and different from their graduate training, and give every opportunity to practice presenting their work. I also encourage their growth of mentorship of others in the lab. In regard to research, I am flexible in the research topic a postdoc pursues, as long as it is related to topics of interest in the lab. I typically work together with the postdoc to come up with ideas together for a research project. Typically we have meetings every other week to check in on progress and needs, but am available anytime they need guidance.
Julia Mack
Assistant Professor, Medicine
I am a chemist turned biologist who studies how vascular endothelial cells sense and respond to physical forces. My love of photography and discovery has brought me to live cell imaging and confocal microscopy of the vasculature
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
Hope to hire in the next 2 years.
Postdoc Requirements:
I would prefer to interview candidates who has training in vascular biology with experience in wet lab, specifically imaging.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
Currently on first postdoc who is now interviewing for faculty positions.
Research Keywords:
Biophysics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Vascular Science
Research Description:
My research lab uses high resolution imaging techniques to visualize the dynamic cell responses to changes in blood flow to interpret how endothelial cells signal and adapt. Specifically, we study Ca2+ signaling dynamics and cell behavior using cultured human cells and genetic mouse models to interpret the role of blood flow and associated signaling mechanisms in vascular resilience.
Mentoring Philosophy:
As an Assistant Professor, I have a small research lab, which allows for hands-on training, teamwork and strong support. While I intend to grow, I intend to keep the research team small enough to allow for tailored mentorship to each of my trainees. Furthermore, my lab is incredibly collaborative and this allows for postdocs in my lab to interact and gain experience, mentorship and trainings from other faculty here at UCLA.
Sanaz Memarzadeh
Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
I am a physician scientist with a goal of developing more effective therapies for women impacted by gynecologic cancer through translational research. I am deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists who would also focus on these understudied areas of research.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
1-2 postdocs
Postdoc Requirements:
Open to meeting a postdoc with research experience in a different field than my own, that is looking looking to move into my field of research.
I’m looking for a postdoc to join our wet lab.
Some requirements: Prior experience and competency with molecular biology techniques, in-vivo murine models (intraperitoneal/subcutaneous xenografts), immunohistochemistry, has first author publications, knowledge of cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology
Research Keywords:
Immunology, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pharmacology
Research Description:
Our focus areas include targeting ovarian and endometrial cancers using novel small molecules and cell-based immune therapy strategies. To achieve this goal, we have built a large biobank of well annotated primary patient tumors with associated clinical data and patient derived xenograft models.
Mentoring Philosophy:
My goal is to provide ample opportunities to trainees in my lab through ongoing research within my team and through large collaborative scientific group-shere at UCLA. My team and I consider trainees an integral part of our group and prioritize their education, well being, and career growth opportunities.
Frank Pajonk
Professor, Radiation Oncology and Neurosurgery
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
I currently have an open position.
Postdoc Requirements:
I welcome postdocs from different fields. Wet lab experience is needed, ideally with animal work (mouse), bioinformatics background would be great. Demonstrated publication productivity as first author in major journals.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
Faculty positions, high school teaching, RAND corporation, Industry.
Research Keywords:
Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Radiation Oncology
Research Description:
I’m easily bored and constantly throw new ideas at postdocs. Picking up 2-3 three projects allows a postdoc to have a successful project even if 2 out of 3 fail.
Mentoring Philosophy:
I’m rather laid back and give people time to grow and give ample opportunity to develop grants, write and review paper.
Ranmal Samarasinghe
Assistant Professor, Neurology
Lab or Research Group Name:
Neural Circuit Development and Dynamics Lab
Plans to hire a postdoc:
I plan to hire 1-2 post docs in the next 2 years (funding permitting).
Postdoc Requirements:
Open to candidates from related fields. The work will be primarily in a wet lab, but with some computational modeling of neural network activity.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
I started my group in 2021. Since then I have had 3 post docs in total, my most recent hire was within the last year. My most senior post doc got a position as faculty at UCLA where he will be a clinician scientist (starting in July 2026). The other more senior post doc is going to enter the job market in 2026.
Research Keywords:
Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neuroscience
Research Description:
I am a clinician-scientist that sees patients with epilepsy clinically, but I primarily run a basic science lab that utilizes iPSC derived organoids to study neural network development. My interest is to both develop and leverage these iPSC derived platforms to understand emergent network properties and how neurodevelopmental disease perturbs these properties.
Mentoring Philosophy:
I try to meet the personnel in my lab where they are. This means that my overall approach to mentees, whether a post doc or an undergraduate, depends on what the individual needs. Broadly, I tend to be in lab briefly most days to informally get a sense of how things are with each member of my group, but I leave it up to the mentee how much formal contact they need with me. In general, I tend to be more hands off with more senior members (e.g., post docs).
Tanya Stoyanova
Associate Professor, Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
Looking to hire 2 postdoctoral fellows.
Postdoc Requirements:
Postdoctoral candidates should have a PhD, MD or PhD-MD degree with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, cancer, chemistry and drug development. Prior experience in working with animal models is highly desired. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to have critical thinking abilities, excellent technical skills, and excellent organizational and communication skills.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
List of postdoctoral fellows and their current positions can be found here: https://stoyanovalab.org/alumni/
Research Keywords:
Biochemistry, Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Pathology
Research Description:
Stoyanova lab develops new early cancer detection approaches and therapeutic strategies for late stage cancers. The ultimate goals of the laboratory are to improve the early diagnosis and prognosis of clinically significant prostate and other cancers and guide the development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies for metastatic cancers.
Brief description of the PI and lab are in the following links: https://profiles.ucla.edu/tanya.stoyanova, https://stoyanovalab.org/research/
Mentoring Philosophy:
Postdocs in my group can expect highly hands-on, individualized mentorship. I work closely with trainees from developing research projects and experimental design to data analysis, troubleshooting, and manuscript and fellowship preparation. We meet regularly one-on-one as well as during the two weekly lab meetings and I provide direct, timely feedback and active guidance, particularly during project startup and challenging phases, with the goal of building both strong technical skills and scientific independence.
Emily Wu
Assistant Professor, Neurobiology
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology and the Department of Biological Chemistry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
We are currently hiring one postdoc.
Postdoc Requirements:
Wet lab or combination of dry lab and wet lab. Prior experience in the fields of behavioral neuroscience and systems neuroscience strongly preferred.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
My lab just started last year, so no postdoctoral trainees have completed their training yet.
Research Keywords:
Bioinformatics, Neurobiology, Neuroscience
Research Description:
Our research aims to understand the neural basis of prosociality–the ability to perceive others’ needs and take actions that improve their conditions. Our previous work has developed various paradigms of prosocial behaviors in laboratory mice. Using these models, our current research focuses on the neural circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying these behaviors, their long-term regulation by prior experiences, and their disruption in neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism.
Mentoring Philosophy:
I strive to provide close, individualized mentorship focused on developing scientific independence, technical rigor, and a clear professional trajectory. I actively foster an inclusive and supportive lab environment by maintaining open communication, setting clear expectations, and ensuring equitable access to resources, authorship opportunities, and professional networks.
Yang Kevin Xiang
Professor, Medicine and Cardiology
I am a professor in the Department of Medicine, love to challenge the paradigm and dogma, keen to find new ways to help patients. Outside of work, I love outdoors, exercise, ball games, and travel.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
We are hiring a postdoc.
Postdoc Requirements:
N/A
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
Out of more than 20 postdocs trained in my lab, a majority of them are professors in academia. Five of them practice medicine and pharmacy. A couple of them work in bio-tech industry.
Research Keywords:
Biochemistry, Cardiac Physiology, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology
Research Description:
My research integrates pharmacology, cardiovascular science, and neuroscience to define signaling mechanisms that regulate cardiac myocytes and neurons under physiological and pathological conditions. I focus on membrane receptor signaling—particularly GPCRs, RTKs, and cytokine receptors—and the downstream phosphatases, phosphodiesterases, and kinases that shape cellular responses during metabolic stress and inflammation. My laboratory combines single-molecule imaging (SiMPull), FRET/FLIM, super-resolution microscopy, electrophysiology, stem cells, and in vivo models to dissect receptor-mediated signaling with molecular precision.
Mentoring Philosophy:
I am flexible and tailor the mentoring methods for each individual. With 6-12 months, the postdocs are expected to work independently. They are also expected to write fellowships and grants. I will guarantee the resources (fundings, materials, and technique, etc.) necessary for the success of the projects.
Yi Yin
Assistant Professor, Human Genetics
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
Yes, currently hiring for two postdocs.
Postdoc Requirements:
I’m interested in postdocs who either have intensive research experience in genetics (including bioinformatic analysis for DNA sequences, not including RNA-seq), or have worked on topics closely related to DNA repair, chromosome biology, genome instability regardless of the methodology (pure biochemists are fine). Dry lab or a combination of dry and wet lab.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
We have one postdoc (2020 Nov. – current) currently on the job market for tenure-track faculty position.
Research Keywords:
Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics, Synthetic Biology
Research Description:
Our lab works on developing novel single cell DNA sequencing tools to study genetic recombination, structural variations and genome instability in cancer and rare diseases. Our lab is intentionally kept at a size of 3-5 people including myself. We are looking for scientists who are passionate about chromosomes, human genome variations and/or scalable technology development.
Mentoring Philosophy:
We have lab meetings twice a week and I work with my postdocs side-by-side, including both wet lab experiments and bioinformatics analyses. Postdocs completely take ownership of their own projects. At this point, we are not considering candidates who are only interested in pursuing a career in industry, however, we welcome students who are interested in starting their own start-up companies with novel technologies.
William Zeiger
Assistant Professor, Neurology
Hi, I’m Will Zeiger. I’m a neurologist and neuroscientist. In the clinic I specialize in movement disorders and treat patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. I’m interested in neural circuits and in vivo imaging. Although I am a clinician, I spend most (80%) of my time focused on research. Mentoring is one of my favorite aspects of running a research lab and that is why I’m excited for this Bio-Launch program.
Lab or Research Group Name:
Plans to hire a postdoc:
We are pending several research grants…we should know about these before the event. If funded, we will be looking to hire at least 1 if not more post-docs.
Postdoc Requirements:
We’re looking for a post-doc with experience in a wet lab with rodents, ideally with a neuroscience background.
Past Postdoc Trainee Outcomes:
Our first post-doc is currently on the job market! He is applying to academic jobs. He has received a post-doctoral fellowship and is applying for career development award. Our 2nd post-doc will also be looking for jobs soon. She is interested in industry positions abroad.
Research Keywords:
Neurobiology, Neurology, Neuroscience
Research Description:
Our lab is developing small molecule drugs to halt neurodegneration, using a combination of biochemistry, structural biology, and computation. We have numerous meetings each week to stay in communication, and professional staff to help all of us.
Mentoring Philosophy:
Find highly motivated experimentalists, turn them loose on hugely important questions.