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An Assistant Project Scientist position is available in Dr. Satoshi Namekawa’s laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) in the College of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Davis.

Position description

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 as an exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)

Research activity (80%)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to microbiology, molecular genetics, reproductive biology, epigenomics, 3D genome organization, chromatin regulation, and male germ cell differentiation. The successful candidate will help determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator and will design specific projects, including the selection and optimization of appropriate experimental and computational methods.
Specifically, the candidate will conduct research on the molecular mechanisms by which the 3D genome establishes and regulates transcriptional programs during male germline differentiation. Research activities will include studying higher-order chromatin organization, epigenetic memory, transcriptional regulation, and spermatogenic differentiation using mouse germ cell systems and genome-wide approaches. The candidate will perform and analyze high-resolution chromosome conformation and epigenomic assays, including Hi-C and complementary chromatin profiling approaches, from primordial germ cells through prospermatogonia and undifferentiated spermatogonia. The candidate will also integrate 3D genome, chromatin, and gene expression datasets to determine how higher-order chromatin interactions are established and how these mechanisms contribute to male germ cell identity, fertility, and reproductive success.
The candidate is responsible for planning and performing scientific experiments, analyzing data, maintaining accurate and reproducible records, interpreting results, preparing figures and manuscripts, and presenting research findings. The candidate may support other laboratory members regarding technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting, data interpretation, and planning follow-up experiments.

Publication (5%)
The candidate will publish research in peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team and will contribute to preparing manuscripts, preprints, figures, and related scholarly products.

Grant Acquisition (5%)
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 progress reports, research summaries, budgets, and other grant components as required by granting agencies. The candidate may interact with funding agencies and assist with modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to the fields of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, reproductive biology, epigenomics, and genome biology. The candidate will attend seminars, present research results, and may give oral or poster presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions and may serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications.

III. SERVICE (5%)

Training and mentoring (5%)
The candidate will supervise and mentor students, technicians, or visitors in specific projects coordinated with the Principal Investigator regarding the definition and execution of projects. The candidate will provide guidance on technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results, responsible data management, open data practices, reproducibility, and planning follow-up experiments.

University and Public Service (0%)
This category is encouraged but not required. The candidate may engage at their own discretion in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. The candidate may engage at their own discretion in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

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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UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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.

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.

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.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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.