UCLA PI Name: Dr. David Meriwether, PhD
E-Mail: vwli@mednet.ucla.edu
Project Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Lab website: https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/medicine/gastro/research/labs-and-groups/meriwether-lab
Expected Weekly Time Commitment: 10-15 hours

Job Description:

We are focused on understanding how oxidized lipids (oxLDL) modulate macrophage efferocytosis—the clearance of apoptotic cells—and how this process drives the transition from pro-inflammatory (M1) to pro-resolving (M2) macrophage phenotypes in the inflamed gut. We seek to uncover how these immune shifts orchestrate intestinal epithelial repair and barrier restoration.

We are recruiting 1–2 highly motivated undergraduate volunteers. In this role, you will take ownership of modeling gut inflammation and epithelial injury in vitro. This position offers rigorous training in primary cell culture and functional cellular assays, with the long-term goal of adapting these established models to cutting-edge 3D-derived systems.

Responsibilities:
Primary Immune Cell Culture: Isolate and derive human primary monocytes and macrophages from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) for downstream phenotypic analysis.

Epithelial Injury Assays: Perform and quantify Caco-2 scratch wound models to evaluate epithelial cell migration and restitution.

Barrier Function Modeling: Manage Transwell monolayer injury models, utilizing Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) measurements to continuously monitor and assess barrier integrity following inflammatory insults.

Protocol Advancement: Collaborate directly with lab personnel to progressively adapt these conventional 2D culture workflows to human intestinal epithelial organoid-derived monolayers.

Requirements:
Currently enrolled UCLA undergraduate majoring in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biology, Psychobiology, or a closely related field.

Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to troubleshooting.

Ability to commit a reliable 10–15 hours per week to laboratory research.

Prior experience with cell culture or sterile technique is highly desirable, but comprehensive, hands-on training will be provided for dedicated candidates.

Major:  Molecular Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.

What You Will Gain:
Proficiency in aseptic technique, mammalian cell culture, and quantitative in vitro injury models.

Deepened understanding of macrophage polarization, lipid signaling, and mucosal healing mechanisms.

Direct mentorship and integration into a collaborative lab environment alongside staff, graduate researchers, and fellow undergraduates.

The opportunity to contribute to translational research with direct implications for treating inflammatory bowel disease and related gastrointestinal pathologies.

Application Instructions:

Please email your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in our research to Dr. David Meriwether, PhD at vwli@mednet.ucla.edu.