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The Campana Lab, within the Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for an Assistant, Associate or Full Project Scientist rank depending on experience (50-100% appointment effort). The successful candidate will conduct research in the area of basic neuroscience, neurobiology and systems neuroscience.

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 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 neuroscience field. 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.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Campana and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1) RESEARCH in Specialized Areas (90% Effort)

Research Activity (60%)
• Design, initiate and refine experimental approaches to study painful peripheral neuropathy
• In collaboration with the PI, the candidate will develop research plans and carry out many of the experiments and analyses
• Plan transgenic mouse model systems to investigate Schwann cell: Immune interactions related to neuropathic pain (oral cancer pain, chemotherapy induced neuropathy and sciatica)
• Apply advanced techniques to investigate extracellular vesicles in peripheral nerve communication
• Perform experiments to define the role of Schwann cell derived extracellular vesicles in heath and disease
• Perform discovery-based approaches in transcriptomics and proteomics to identify novel contributors to the development of pain related outcome. Compare existing national data bases with planned experiments to optimize datasets
• Perform appropriate statistical and computational analyses of single cell RNA sequencing data
• Mentor Visiting Scholars (MD, PhDs) from Japan, postdoctoral trainees and graduate students. This includes methods development of projects, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow up experiments
• Coordinate collaborative research efforts across multidisciplinary projects and external partners.

*Other research activities may include:
• Obtaining and maintaining appropriate laboratory and safety protocols
• Managing project budgets
• Reviewing grants and manuscripts.

Publications (20%)
• Summarize and analyze research findings in figures for manuscript submission, conference proceedings and presentations
• Contribute as a lead author or co-author on publications annually
• Provide critical review of manuscripts ad proposal from other lab members.

Grant Acquisition (10%)
• Assist the PI in writing proposals by drafting sections related to Aims, Methods and Preliminary Data
• Assisting the PI with developing new projects that form the foundation of new grant application submissions. Specifically, those that are outlined by NIH RFAs.

2) PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% Effort)
• Contribute expertise to professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field of neuroscience
• Participate in departmental research initiatives such as retreats and seminars.

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 is also a national leader in inclusive practice. 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.

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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.