Assistant Project Scientist – Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a part-time Project Scientist at the Assistant rank in basic and preclinical research in the area of airways inflammation, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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 in the basic and preclinical science relevant to airway inflammation, asthma, and COPD. Appointees with Project Scientist series 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, etc.), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The Project Scientist will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

This position seeks someone with scientific, technical, and organizational skills in the research laboratory of Dr. Amir A. Zeki (Principal Investigator and Professor at the UC Davis School of Medicine), located at the Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility (GBSF) in Davis, CA. The position will require an ability in basic laboratory science including cellular and molecular biology and animal experiments to investigate pulmonary inflammatory diseases such as asthma. This will require the use of both human and animal tissues and model systems already established in the laboratory of Dr. Zeki. This position will require abilities in both in vitro cell culture models, ex vivo lung tissue experiments, and in vivo animal models. The employee is expected to exercise independent initiative, originality, technical ability, judgement, and reliability in applying the scientific research method and principles, including practices unique to specific projects or model systems. In addition, facility with animal protocols (writing, editing, renewing, updating) and conducting animal studies is required.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Amir A. Zeki and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1) RESEARCH (90% Effort)

Research Activity (70%) This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of airway inflammation, asthma, and COPD and related research methods and applications. Topics include the molecular mechanisms of inflammation, mucus production, fibrosis, airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction, airflow obstruction, and the role of lipid metabolic pathways in regulating these pathogenic responses. Necessary skills include the tracking and optimization of data acquisition and processing, data management and analysis, and consulting with experts in the lab under the supervision of Dr. Zeki. Additional skills include the advancing the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments. The appointee will help to determine research goals in consultation with Dr. Zeki and other senior lab personnel. The Project Scientist will run projects, design and conduct specific experiments, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. Specifically, the candidate will perform in vitro cell culture experiments and animal in vivo experiments using various established mouse models to investigate the mechanisms of airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthma and COPD. In some cases, the appointee may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research including planning follow-up experiments. The appointee may also collaborate with scientific colleagues in multi-disciplinary projects that include components falling within the appointee’s area of expertise.
The candidate will design, develop, and conduct cellular, molecular, and animal experiments (mouse, rat, hamster) using classical and advanced molecular techniques relevant to the laboratory’s protocols. Perform technical and statistical analyses of in vitro and in vivo data, modify, and develop assays as needed for experiments on tissues and cell culture samples, and/or arising from in vivo animal studies. Execute and interpret results of original in vitro and in vivo work. Prepare written reports on all laboratory work involving current research projects, and keep thorough lab records backed up on written and digital files. Utilization of confocal and fluorescent microscopes to capture images of cells and lung tissues. Present data in lab meetings, co-author papers, and contribute to original scientific work for publication in peer reviewed journals.

The position will require some skill at managing or assisting in the management of basic laboratory upkeep, ordering supplies and materials, animal protocols, and animal training records where needed.

Publication (10%) The appointee will publish research in peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team including collaborators where appropriate.
Grant Acquisition (10%) The appointee will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The appointee 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.
2) PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (8% Effort)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and scientific conferences appropriate to his/her specific field of airway inflammation, remodeling, airway hyperresponsiveness as relevant to asthma and COPD. The candidate will also 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, and/or educational functions. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at the UC Davis Lung Center and Department of Internal Medicine and PCCM Division seminars, laboratory meetings, and/or educational functions.

3) UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2% Effort)
The appointee may undertake administrative tasks relevant to the smooth running of the laboratory enterprise as appropriate.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee’s qualifications.

A reasonable estimate for this position is $68,400-$79,300 for Full-Time and and will be prorated for Part-Time Employment.

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05682
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the biological sciences, and DVM or equivalent degree in animal science and medicine.
At least 4 years of experience in biomedical research post terminal degree.
Research experience in basic and preclinical studies broadly in the field of biomedicine, preferably in the sciences of the lung, heart, gut, and/or kidneys.
Preferred qualificationsExpertise in the maintenance and experimentation of cell lines and primary human cell culture, mouse and other rodent models, transgenic mice, and organ physiology.
Proficiency with basic laboratory techniques (immunoblot / western blots, immunocytochemical analysis, RT-PCR, immunoprecipitation assays, ELISA, etc.)
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Evidence of academic accomplishment such as refereed journal papers and conference presentations. Experience or understanding of drug pharmacology and associated animal studies relevant to drug testing and the development of novel pharmacological therapies.
Experience with mass spectrometry and associated analysis and post-translational modifications is desired but not required.
Experience working with non-human primate models is desired but not required.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirementsCurriculum 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.
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05682
Help contact: ejgarman@ucdavis.edu