NATURE AND PURPOSE

Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator, the Project Scientist contributes to independent and collaborative research on arboviruses including transmission dynamics and viral fitness, vaccine development, and vertebrate immune responses. The appointee will design and execute complex experiments, analyze and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, oversee laboratory operations, mentor trainees, and contribute to grant proposals. The position requires advanced scientific expertise, creative leadership in experimental design, and the ability to coordinate research subcomponents within larger NIH-funded projects on mosquito-borne viral pathogens.

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

I: Research in Specialized Areas (90%)

Research Activity (60%)

• Develop, implement, and refine experimental approaches to study mosquito-borne viruses (e.g., chikungunya virus [CHIKV], St. Louis encephalitis virus [SLEV]).
• Plan and conduct animal model studies (mosquito, murine, avian, non-human primate) to investigate viral cross-protection, vector competence, transmission dynamics, and antibody-mediated immunity.
• Apply advanced virological, immunological, and molecular techniques to evaluate viral transmission, immune responses, and vaccine efficacy.
• Execute competition assays to define viral fitness and passive antibody transfer studies to define correlates of protection and disease enhancement.
• Perform complex statistical and computational analyses of virological, immunological, and viral sequencing datasets.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations including biosafety compliance and facility and equipment operations and maintenance.
• Mentor staff and trainees in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Coordinate collaborative research efforts across internal teams and external partners.

Publication (20%)

• Summarize research findings for dissemination in peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and scientific reports.
• Contribute as co-author and lead author on publications; provide critical review of manuscripts and proposals from lab members and collaborators.

Grant Acquisition (10%)

• Contribute to grant proposals by drafting sections related to research aims, methods, and preliminary data.
• Assist the PI in developing new research directions that align with NIH funding priorities.

II: Professional Competence and Service (5%)

• The Project Scientist is expected to contribute to the field of arbovirology by presenting at national and international conferences, reviewing manuscripts and grants, and participating in professional organizations.

III: University and Public Service (5%)

• Participate in departmental seminars, committees, and scientific outreach efforts.
• Contribute expertise to review panels, professional societies, and community-based education initiatives.

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

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