The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis is seeking applications for an Assistant/Associate Project Scientist position in regeneration and cellular biology.
A Project Scientist is expected to have significant experience in the Principal Investigator’s (Assistant, Associate, or full Professor) research field or skills applicable to the field. They should have experience developing scientific projects and carrying out experiments, analysis, and writing to complete publication-quality research. Based on this experience, they must be prepared to make intellectual and creative contributions to the Principal Investigator’s research goals. They should continue to improve the depth and breadth of their research skills in their role as Project Scientist. While they will predominantly work independently with guidance from the Principal Investigator, they are not expected to work toward an independent research program or laboratory. While Project Scientists traditionally do not serve as Principal Investigator on grant applications, they may do so by exception.
Position Description:
Research (95%)
This position requires that the Project Scientist join an existing research program focused on the cell, molecular, and genetic control of regeneration in the small freshwater cnidarian Hydra vulgaris. The position will require competence in molecular biology, research animal husbandry, histology and microscopy, genetic manipulation, and familiarity with basic bioinformatics and/or programming. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the Project Scientist will: 1) develop research plans, 2) carry out the majority of experiments and analyses, and 3) coordinate collaborations with other lab members based on their expertise to complete projects investigating the roles of stem cell behavior and tissue-level changes in Hydra vulgaris head regeneration. The position will also require maintenance of any animals necessary for the Project Scientist’s research, as well as contribution to general upkeep of laboratory resources and databases.
Publication (5%) The candidate is expected to perform publication-quality research and write manuscripts based on the results of research projects. The Principal Investigator will provide feedback and guidance, but primary writing and figure design will be the responsibility of the Project Scientist. The candidate should also be willing to make small, reasonable contributions to the projects of other lab members and provide thorough feedback on any manuscript for which their contributions merit authorship.
Grant Acquisition (5%) While the position does not typically require the candidate to serve as Principal Investigator on grant applications, they should be prepared to assist the Principal Investigator in writing portions of grants that relate to their own projects and expertise.
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.
Basic qualifications (required at time of application):
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology, developmental biology, genetics, or a related field with at least a further five years of postdoctoral training in one of the aforementioned fields. The candidate should have a track record of productivity in their previous field of research, including first author publication(s) and presentations at national conferences. They must have competence in molecular biology techniques including cloning, genetic manipulation, and microscopy and fluorescence imaging. They should be willing to act as a point person for the lab’s imaging equipment and train less experienced members of the lab with proper care and use of the equipment. Applicant must be willing to mentor graduate and undergraduate students, including assisting them in learning protocols and developing their scientific writing and presentation skills, and should have prior mentoring experience. Applicant should be self-motivated and capable of working independently to develop a project, but because the lab depends on scientists with diverse research backgrounds bringing their unique expertise to collaborations, ability to work as part of a team is also essential.
Preferred qualifications:
Prior experience with cnidarian model systems (e.g. Hydra vulgaris, Hydra oligactis, Nematostella vectensis) is preferred but not required. Basic coding skills relevant to life science and image analysis (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB) are also preferred but not required.
Position Available/Closing Date:
For full consideration, all application materials must be received by Jun 21, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time), but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $74,100-$96,600. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience
Apply:
To apply, please use UC Davis Recruit
Qualified applicants should upload a cover letter, a research statement describing their research experience and skills, and a curriculum vitae. Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion -Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
Also provide contact information for three references.
Documents must be submitted as PDF files.
Questions:
Please direct questions to Dr. Celina Juliano, cejuliano@ucdavis.edu