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Project Scientist, Division of Endocrinology

Position overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is:
$6,175 - $7,850 - Assistant Rank
$7,508.33 - $9,283.33 - Associate Rank

Application Window

Open date: May 24, 2025

Next review date: Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 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 Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting one (1) full-time Project Scientist at the Assistant/Associate rank in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.
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 creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to enhance, improve, or upgrade their competency in molecular endocrinology. Appointees in the 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 under the supervision of an individual with an academic title that confers automatic Principal status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so as an exception.
The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Joaquin Lado and must be capable of collaborating cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1) RESEARCH (85% 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, focusing on publishable outcomes from projects involving cell line manipulation, gene expression and cloning, protein-protein interaction, and the manipulation of small and large animal experimental models. You will be responsible for analyzing the excitation-contraction of cardiomyocytes. You will be expected to conduct the research to a high standard and make intellectual contributions to the projects. This includes tracking, optimizing data acquisition and processing, handling and analyzing data, and consulting with physician scientists on applied research.
The appointee will assist in determining research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigators. The Project Scientist will design specific projects, including selecting appropriate methods and techniques. In some instances, the appointee may supervise students or technicians on the technical aspects of the research, including method development, troubleshooting issues, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments. The appointee collaborates with scientific colleagues on multidisciplinary projects that incorporate elements 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 (5%)
The appointee will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies, as well as other funding organizations. The appointee will prepare reports as required by granting agencies and assist in modifying budgets and other grant components as needed.

2) PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (15% Effort)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences related to his/her specific field of Molecular and Cellular Biology, particularly in Endocrinology, as well as in instrumentation and applications. The candidate will also serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications when appropriate. They will attend seminars to present research results and may deliver oral presentations to the public and professional interest groups. When suitable, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions.

3) UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (0% 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/associate rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant/associate rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07112

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in pharmacology or biology
• At least 2 years of experience in Molecular and Cellular Biology post terminal degree.
• Research experience in cell line manipulation, gene expression and cloning, protein-protein interaction, and manipulation of small and large animal experimental models
• Evidence of academic accomplishment, such as reviewed journal papers and conference presentations

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

• Experience with animal experimental models
• Experience with HIPAA-compliant handling of data for research purposes
• Experience with basic and translational research
• Proficient with specific technology or procedures
• At least 2 years of working as post doc
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07112

Help contact: saschenk@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state for federal law.

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 creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in 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.
UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

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