Assistant/Associate Project Scientist – Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care

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 by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH (85%)

Research activity (40%)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of Geriatric Medicine. He/she will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In some cases the candidate may supervise students, trainees, or research assistants regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up studies. Additional responsibilities may include developing SOPs, overseeing participant recruitment, assuring accurate data acquisition and data management, and assuring regulatory requirements are met. The position may also require coordination of multi-site studies.

Publication (15%)
The appointee will publish research in peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (30%)
The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. This includes writing grants in collaboration with PI. 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 (10%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to Geriatric Medicine and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate may 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. (10%)

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

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.

QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Requires a PhD or equivalent degree.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Must have minimum 1 Year experience in lab based research post Terminal Degree
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Evidence of academic accomplishment such as refereed journal papers and conference presentations.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)
• 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.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)