Assistant Project Scientist - Grandi 2027
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: August 28, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Sep 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 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 University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology invites applications for 1 full-time academic position in the Assistant Project Scientist series.
The successful candidate should have research experience and interests aimed at deciphering the molecular, cellular, ad tissue mechanisms through which cardiac and vascular myocyte electrophysiologic, calcium signaling, and stretch-induced changes are involved in cardiac supraventricular arrhythmias. The incumbent will be highly involved in ongoing projects examining the pathophysiological regulation of cardiac and vascular myocyte and tissue function.
The duties of this position will be to carry out research, analysis, and writing related to the following studies: 1) Delineating the mechanisms by which ionic, structural, and contractile remodeling affects pacemaker function and atrial physiology in health and disease; 2) Linking sex differences in atrial electrophysiology and Ca handling to sex-specific arrhythmia mechanisms and optimizing treatment in male and female; 3) Developing finite element models of cardiac and vascular contraction and their impairment in atrial fibrillation.
The candidate will be an integral member of our interactive and collaborative research team, contributing to scientific discussions, mentoring, and the development of independent research directions broadly related to cardiac and vascular electrophysiology, contraction, and arrhythmia mechanisms.
The duties and responsibilities of this position include: developing and refining computational models of cardiac and vascular myocytes and tissues; performing parameter estimation, model validation, and predictive analyses; preparing figures, analyses, and written summaries for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications; contributing to the design of collaborative validation studies with experimental partners; pursuing independent funding opportunities aligned with the candidate’s research program; and maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and collaborative scholarship within the laboratory environment.
Anticipated salary range for this position: $79,400-$101,100
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
RESEARCH (80%)
This position involves creative and collaborative contributions to an active research program focused on the mechanisms underlying atrial arrhythmia susceptibility and their consequences for vascular physiology. In consultation with the Principal Investigator, the candidate will help define research goals and lead the design of specific projects, including the selection, development, and implementation of appropriate computational and quantitative approaches. The candidate may supervise students or other trainees in technical aspects of the research, including model construction, data integration, troubleshooting, interpretation of findings, and design of follow-up studies. The candidate may also participate in collaborative projects with investigators within UC Davis and at other institutions. The candidate is required to have theoretical and practical knowledge of computational modeling relevant to cardiovascular physiology and disease. Particularly desirable is expertise in differential equation-based modeling, finite element methods, and their integration. Experience relevant to cardiac and vascular electrophysiology modeling is highly desirable. The candidate must be able to independently develop and interpret computational models that yield mechanistic insight and generate experimentally testable predictions. The candidate will be expected to publish results, assist in preparation of grant applications, contribute new research directions aligned with the laboratory’s broader goals, and assist the Principal Investigator in mentoring graduate and undergraduate trainees.
Publication
The candidate will publish research in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.
Grant Acquisition
The candidate will assist in writing 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 and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed. In consultation with the PI, the candidate will develop and submit independent grant applications relevant to the candidate’s career stage and research program.
Safety and Regulatory Expectations
The candidate is expected to maintain the highest regulatory and safety standards within the laboratory environment, including strict adherence to laboratory safety regulations, and maintaining detailed documentation of compliance where appropriate.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences relevant to their specific field of and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions. The candidate may serve on national or international grant review panels as appropriate.
UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10%)
The candidate will engage 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 will engage in university service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position. However, the candidate is expected to supervise graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory.
This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.
For the full position and how to apply, visit: (https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07813).
Qualifications
• PhD in Applied Mathematics, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Computational Biology, or a related quantitative field.
• At least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience, with a strong record of scholarship in computational modeling of biological systems and cardiovascular disease mechanisms, as supported by recent publications and scientific presentations.
• Demonstrated expertise in mathematical and computational modeling, including ordinary differential equation-based models, finite element methods, and quantitative analysis of complex biological systems.
• Experience with model fitting, validation, sensitivity analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to design, plan, and execute independent research projects.
• Experience in writing research papers and grant applications.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team player.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research
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.
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: dicrunk@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.
- “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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, 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.
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 or 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.