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The University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, is recruiting for a full-time academic position in the Project Scientist series at the Assistant level based on experience and qualifications.

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their 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. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles 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, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc.), 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Medicine or in an equivalent Scientific Field of Study.
• Three years of molecular and biochemical studies in cancer biology.
• Experience in cancer virology as demonstrated by first or senior author publications.
• Expertise in cancer research and “hands-on” experience in the areas of cancer genomics, next generation-sequencing analyses, and tissue cultures is preferred.
• Experience in the biology of oncogenic viruses such as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is preferred.
• Proficient with modern molecular and cellular biology technologies as well as small animal handling is also preferred.
• Record of developed skill sets in mentoring junior researchers, writing manuscripts and grants, and oral presentations.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

I. RESEARCH (80%):
Research for this position focuses on tumorigenesis of oncogenic viruses. This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of active research programs that are aimed to understand the tumor microenvironment and the association with establishment of cellular and viral gene enhancers. The candidate will help to determine and define the unique and “virus-specific” gene enhancer development and regulation by identifying cellular factors with genetic and proteomics technologies, in consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Yoshihiro Izumiya. The candidate will use global genomic, epigenetic, and proteomic analyses to decipher the molecular mechanisms of virus induced inflammatory microenvironment by induction of tumor associated macrophages. By using small animal models and nanotechnologies, the candidate will also examine the therapeutic potentials of targeting TAMs. Finally, in collaboration with clinicians, the candidate will collect patient samples to further examine the virus-induced tumor development with spatial transcriptomics analyses. He/she will design specific research strategies and plans, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The candidate may advise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments.

II. PUBLICATION AND GRANT ACQUISITION (10%)
He/she will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books, and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team, and assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

III. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%):
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.

Applications should be received by 9/30/2024, for primary consideration; however, the position will be open until filled through 06/30/2025. The following information is required: Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Research and Statement of Contributions to Diversity. Please provide contact information for at least 3 professional references.

Please visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for information about why diversity statements are requested and guidelines for writing a diversity statement.

Please upload this information and apply online at https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF06677

The position is located in Sacramento, California. The Department of Dermatology (http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/dermatology/) is a major clinical care, research, and teaching Department in the School of Medicine. Our faculty is engaged in multiple collaborations with other Schools and UC Davis campus departments, research centers, clinical centers, and primary care networks, and thus all positions require flexibility in local job locations in addition to the Department of Dermatology. This includes the Veteran’s Administration, UCD Medical Center Campus, and other community centers.

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.