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Project Scientist with the Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics (IPN)

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $ $74,100-$187,300.

Application Window

Open date: October 23, 2024

Next review date: Sunday, Dec 8, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Tuesday, Apr 15, 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

This position will be housed in the in the Department of Chemistry in the Project Scientist Series (Academic Federation) with rank and salary commensurate with experience. The salary scale is described in the union Contract at the “Academic Researcher Salary Scales” link on the website of https://uaw5810.org/ar-member-center/

Responsibilities of the Project Scientist of Pharmacology:

I. Research (90%)
• Work with the institute’s director and associate director to achieve the goals of the IPN and assist the institute leadership to build a highly visible, world-class research program in neuropharmacology and CNS therapeutic development
• Serve as key personnel of the pre-clinical pharmacology team within the IPN
• Work with the Directors of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry to identify lead candidates for a variety of indications
• Collaborate with IPN-affiliated principal investigators and their trainees
• Assist the leadership in overseeing multiple concurrent research programs, both internal projects and collaborative projects with external academic and industrial partners.
• Manage the design, planning, execution, and analysis of in vitro and in vivo assays and train staff to reliably perform these assays
• Development and implementation of high-throughput assays as needed
• perform pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicological studies.
• Maintain equipment necessary for the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of compounds
• Work with the Directors of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry to maintain a proprietary UC Davis compound library and associated databases
• Oversee the safety of IPN laboratories with the IPN leadership
• Mentoring of the staff and trainees within the IPN pharmacology team
• Assist the IPN leadership with the implementation of new research projects and play a key role in writing grant proposals and securing funding from federal, state, private, and industrial sources
• Publish research results in high impact peer-reviewed journals
• Work with UC Davis Innovation Access and attorneys to file patents to protect UC Davis intellectual property
• Help initiate, evaluate, and implement IPN pilot grants
• Prepare reports and manage data rooms during diligence with potential industrial partners interested in licensing IPN technology
• Other activities may include obtaining and maintaining appropriate laboratory and safety protocols, managing project budgets, supervising graduate students and undergraduates, writing and submitting progress reports to funding agencies, presenting at conferences, participation in professional societies, and reviewing grants and manuscripts.

I. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

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 give research presentations at national and international scientific meetings. When appropriate, the candidate may be requested to coordinate seminars and laboratory meetings.

III.UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

University and Public Service is required for the Associate and Full Title ranks. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching full classroom courses is not an expectation of this position. The candidate will also engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals or public agencies.

Project Scientist series: 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. 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

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. in pharmacology, neuroscience, physiology, or related field
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Evidence of research or creative activities of high quality, innovation, and significance

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Experience with neuronal cultures
• Experience with various forms of microscopy
• Experience performing standard pharmacology assays relevant to GPCRs, ion channels, and/or kinases
• Expertise in the development of therapeutics for central nervous system disorders
• Background in assay development/implementation for common targets such as GPCRs, ion channels, and kinases

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research - Summary of previous research (1 page)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06785

Help contact: scgutierrez@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

Davis, CA