Assistant Project Scientist – Pulmonary Hypertension

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full-time Project Scientist at the Assistant rank in basic and preclinical research in pulmonary hypertension.

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05174

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 basic and preclinical research in pulmonary hypertension. 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.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Elena Goncharova and must have 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 pulmonary hypertension (PH) methods and applications. Topics include the molecular mechanisms of pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension, and identification and preclinical validation of novel molecular targets to reverse or attenuate PH. The candidate will be responsible for experimental design, data acquisition, processing, handling, and analysis, will assist in the supervision of undergraduate students in Dr. Elena Goncharova’s laboratory related to the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments. The appointee will help to determine research goals in consultation with Dr. Elena Goncharova. The Project Scientist will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. Specifically, the candidate will perform in vitro cell culture experiments and in vivo experiments using transgenic mice and mouse and rat models of PH to investigate the mechanisms of pulmonary vascular cell hyper-proliferation, pulmonary vascular remodeling and overall PH.

Publication (10%)
The appointee will publish research in peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team.

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 conferences appropriate to his/her specific field of pulmonary hypertension 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.

When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at the Lung Center and Department of Internal Medicine seminars, laboratory meetings 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in field of biological sciences
• At least 4 years of experience in biomedical research post terminal degree.
• Research experience in basic and preclinical studies as it relates to pulmonary hypertension
• Evidence of academic accomplishment such as refereed journal papers and conference presentations
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)• Specific qualifications for this role include an expertise in maintenance and experimentation with primary human pulmonary vascular cell cultures, transgenic mice, rodent models of pulmonary hypertension
• Proficiency with basic laboratory techniques (immunoblot, immunocytochemical analysis, RT PCR, immunoprecipitation assays, ELISA)
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research (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
3-8 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05174
Help contact: ejgarman@ucdavis.edu