Project Scientist (Accorsi Lab 2024)

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Assistant/Associate Project Scientist position in development, regeneration and cellular biology.

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. Appointees with Project Scientist titles may engage in University and public service. 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), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. They 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 (95%)

• Research Activity (80%)
  
  This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of visual system development and regeneration in the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata. Overall, the candidate will use a combination of molecular biology, cellular biology, histology, microscopy and organismal genetic manipulations to study gene expression and cell identity and dynamics driving the development and regeneration of P. canaliculata eyes. The candidate will help determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. They will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The candidate will be expected to be involved also in 1. maintaining wild-type and mutant animals, 2. occasionally training and supervising students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments, 3. overseeing the maintenance of laboratory resources, stocks, databases and safety.

• Publication (10%)
  
  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.

• 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 reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare 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 their specific field 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.

CLOSING DATE: For full consideration, all application materials must be received by July 18, 2024.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Appointments may be made up to 100%.

TO APPLY

To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06587

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, a research statement describing their research experience, skills and interests (max 2 pages), a curriculum vitae and, optionally, a statement of contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (max 500 words). Documents must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for three references.

QUESTIONS

Please direct questions to Alice Accorsi aaccorsi@ucdavis.edu

Applicants will have a Ph.D. degree and at least five years of postdoctoral training with laboratory experience in molecular and cellular biology or developmental biology. Candidates must have experience in cloning and molecular biology and in microscopy and organismal genetic manipulations. Candidates should have a track record demonstrating their interests in cellular and developmental biology research. It is essential that applicants be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and data to archive, label and document data for publication, proposals, and presentations. Applicants should have experience in writing and editing manuscripts and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize responsibilities, interpersonal communication skills, decision-making skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team are a must.

Prior experiences in studying development and regeneration or visual system biology is preferred. Experience with animal maintenance, micro-injections, site-directed mutagenesis, microscopy, sequence programs and coding is preferred.

• 3 required (contact information only)

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

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