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NATURE AND PURPOSE

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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCH (90%)

Plan and carry out complex laboratory workflows in support of the UC Davis Dietary Biomarker Development Center (UCD-DBDC) and the Advanced Lipid Mediators Core of the West Coast Metabolomics Center at the UC Davis Genome Center using sophisticated, sensitive and expensive gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS systems). Primary responsibility for the validation and implementation and application of targeted UPLC-MS/MS methods for the quantification of dietary biomarkers. Secondary responsibilities will be for the analysis and processing of biological samples for targeted metabolomics analyses using semi-high throughput gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and UPLC-MS/MS, including the quantification of non-esterified and esterified fatty acids, short chain fatty acids, oxylipins, endocannabinoids, bile acids, steroids, and ceramides as a core service for multiple on- and off-campus users. Responsible for sample processing, analysis, data analysis, quality controls and communication with customers and administration. This includes troubleshooting and determining the best protocol to use. Maintain a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and data.

Interact with researchers in other laboratories on various collaborative projects. Aid in the prioritization and management of research projects, and management of the daily operation of the targeted metabolomics efforts that comprise the services of this core. Ensure data reproducibility and rigorous evaluation of quality control metrics. Participate in evaluation and adoption of new technologies for use in the core as methods change in the field. Mentor graduate students and undergraduate students in the laboratory. The candidate will also perform lab management and leadership tasks as assigned by the supervisor, including but not limited to instrument ordering and installation, providing technical assistance to lab users when needed, ordering supplies, processing invoices, and shared lab safety duties.

The candidate 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. The candidate will prepare drafts of manuscripts that relate to their primary research project(s) and participate in preparing drafts for all secondary collaborative projects.

The candidate will 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 work with the supervisor to prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. The candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public. The candidate may engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing, committee service, voting on peer committees.

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.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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.