Recruit

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for part-time or full-time Project Scientist at the Assistant rank specializing in brain and spinal cord fluid physiology and related neurological conditions, including hydrocephalus.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Sadegh and will require the ability to work independently, cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

Dr. Sadegh seeks a highly motivated and skilled project scientist to support a laboratory focused on CSF composition and disorders of CSF homeostasis. The candidate will have at least 5 years of expertise with respect to neurosurgical clinical research, translational or device-related research, or basic science experience in the neurosciences. The successful candidate will be a member of our rapidly expanding, interactive research team and will engage in scholarly discussions with colleagues on new ideas and concepts. The candidate will primarily work with translational models of neurologic disorders, which include large animal models of disease (e.g., hydrocephalus). The candidate will assist with the design and implementation of biomedical devices for characterization of changes in the brain fluid dynamics. They will perform skilled procedures, collect and analyze data, and prepare respective figures for scientific publications.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include: designing and executing experiments to study the tissue types associated with CSF production, absorption, and homeostasis; conduct experiments with the goal of therapeutic benefit for diseases relevant to neurosurgery; collect, analyze and summarize data for scientific manuscripts; write review articles; write institutional review board requests; assist in writing animal protocols; write grant proposals; assist in training students and others; assist in lab duties in collaboration with our lab manager.

Project Scientist position:
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 the areas of interest, indicated below. 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.

1) RESEARCH (90% Effort)

Experimental Research (60%): This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of CSF physiology. Topics include cellular and molecular mechanisms of CSF production and absorption, CSF exchange and homeostasis, role of CSF in brain development and neurological disorders. The appointee will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. The Project Scientist will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The appointee will 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 (15%): 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 of neuroscience and CSF physiology instrumentation and applications 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 candidate may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at community educational events, research seminars, laboratory meetings or other educational functions. Occasional lectures at UC Davis classes related to CSF physiology and disease also encouraged.

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

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

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