Project Scientist (McNally Lab 2026)

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis is seeking applications for an Assistant/Associate Project Scientist position in germline 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.

I. Research (95%)

Research Activity (85%)

This position requires that the Project Scientist join an existing research program focused on meiosis and early development in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The position will require competence in molecular biology, research animal husbandry, histology and microscopy, genetic manipulation, and familiarity with basic image analysis. 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 early developmental mechanisms that ensure a correct number of chromosomes in zygotes. 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.

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.

TO APPLY

To apply, please go to the following link:

https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07473

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the lab's research, a research statement describing previous research experience with emphasis on skills and interests relevant to the lab's research (max 2 pages), and a curriculum vitae listing publications in the field of germline biology. Documents must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for three references.

QUESTIONS

Please direct questions to Frank McNally fjmcnally@ucdavis.edu.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell 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 must have a track record of productivity in the field of germline biology in a model organism. The track record of productivity must include first author publication(s) in the field of germline biology. 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. 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.

Prior experience with Caenorhabditis elegans is preferred but not required.

• 3 required (contact information only)

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.
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