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Asst Project Scientist - Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $74,100/yr. - $94,200/yr.

Application Window

Open date: July 31, 2024

Most recent review date: Thursday, Aug 15, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 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 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full-time Project Scientist at the Assistant rank in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics.

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency in Neuroscience and Genetics. Appointees with Project Scientist series may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, etc.), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The Project Scientist will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Alex Nord and the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1) RESEARCH (90% Effort)

Research activity (65%)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of computational genomics, genetics, and bioinformatics methods and applications. The candidate will develop and move forward research projects linking sequence variation with disease risk and function and applying functional genomics to understand brain development and disease. Tasks include analysis of whole genome, exome, and transcriptome sequence data for variant identification and allelic analysis, analysis of -omic datasets (including short and long-read and bulk and single cell RNA-seq, shotgun and targeted proteomics), management and development of high-throughput computing resources and software, and data storage and sharing. While the majority of the effort is expected to be computational, the candidate will also supervise and execute experimental work as needed and needs sufficient background in bench genomics.

The appointee will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigators. The Project Scientist will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In some cases, the appointee may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments. The appointee collaborates with scientific colleagues in multi-disciplinary projects that include components falling within the appointee’s area of expertise.

Publication (15%)
The appointee will publish research in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (10%)
The appointee will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The appointee will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

2) PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (8% Effort)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

3) UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2% Effort)

The appointee may undertake administrative tasks relevant to the smooth running of the laboratory enterprise as appropriate.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will
be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

For the full position description and to apply, visit
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06617.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
  • Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Genetics or Neuroscience.
  • At least 5 years of experience in academic research post terminal degree.
  • Research experience in genetics, genomics, and neuroscience.
  • Evidence of academic accomplishment such as refereed journal papers and conference presentations

Specific qualifications for this role include

  • Background in molecular genetic and biochemical methods. Must have experience in applying and developing protocols for nucleic acid (i.e, RNA and DNA) and protein analysis. This includes genotyping assays, including from low input and complex samples, and background in molecular genetic and biochemical analyses.
  • Expertise in variation analysis of DNA and RNA sequencing data. This includes application of standard and custom software for allelic characterization for simple (e.g. germline) and complex (e.g. mosaic, mixed samples or population analysis).
  • Expertise in transcriptomic analysis of bulk and single cell datasets. This includes short and long-read sequence datasets from sequence alignment through differential expression, including quality control, dimensionality reduction, clustering, pseudotime and RNA velocity, differential expression and co-expression analysis (e.g. WGCNA).
  • Expertise with genetic and genomic analysis across organisms. This includes previous work with experimental and comparative genomics data from fruit fly, mouse, macaque, and human, including working with genome build, sequence variation, and annotation data.
  • Expertise managing high-performance computing resources. This includes familiarity with cloud computing and local severs, including setting up environments, installing and managing software, and managing usage by others (e.g. graduate students).
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
  • Demonstrated strong organizational skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06617

Help contact: tisxiong@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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 UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their "Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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Job location

Sacramento, CA