Skip to main content

Assistant Project Scientist

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

The Department of Plant Sciences is recruiting for an Assistant Project Scientist to provide significant and creative research contribution to programs related to the response of plants to environmental stress and the development of antifungal compounds. The candidate will possess the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. Candidate will participate in activities in two research fields: (1) increase and improve the ability of plants to grow under abiotic stress, with emphasis on the cellular and molecular responses to stress; (2) the development of compounds that can be used as inhibitors of ion transport activity in plants and fungi and possibly as antifungal compounds. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research, he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. RESEARCH (85%)
A. Design, organize, and lead an innovative research program focusing on the stress response of plants and fungi to environmental stress. These activities will include the identification of stress-specific promoters using a Systems Biology approach, the assessment of drug interactions on transport processes, toxicity profiles, etc. The candidate should have a broad knowledge of genetics, molecular biology techniques, extensive hands-on experience in plant growth, large data analysis (gene expression, metabolomics) and plant transformation.
B. Train, consult with, and advise graduate students and post-doctoral researchers with respect to design, analysis, and interpretation of scientific studies conducted in area of expertise

C. Make substantive scientific, scholarly, and intellectual contributions by writing reports to funding agencies, and publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY 10%
A. Participate in meetings and conferences both in California and nationally appropriate to his/her specific field
B. Serve as a reviewer for research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE 5%
Engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service.

Qualifications:
-Ph.D. degree in Cell and Developmental Biology, Plant Biochemistry, Plant Molecular Biology or closely related field.
-The candidates should have demonstrated expertise in:
Cellular and Molecular Biology techniques, including protein-protein interactions, cloning and sequencing, vector constructions, etc.; Plant and fungi transformation; Microbiological and pharmacological techniques, including immunofluorescence.
-The candidate should have excellent communication skills both verbally and written.

This position will be for six months with the possibility of extension based on performance and renewed funding.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 1-4 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA