Assistant Project Scientist - Collins lab

An Assistant Project Scientist position is available in Dr. Sean Collins' laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) in the College of Biological Sciences.

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 as an exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)

Research activity (80%)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to cell migration, cell polarity, and optogenetic approaches. The candidate will help determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. He or she will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The candidate may support other laboratory members regarding the technical aspects of research, including methods development, troubleshooting, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments. The candidate is responsible for planning and performing scientific experiments, analyzing data, and preparing papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Specifically, the candidate will study the role of the actin cytoskeleton and cell polarity regulators including GEF and GAP proteins in maintaining stable cell polarization and directing cell migration. The candidate will use live-cell imaging, fluorescent biosensors, optogenetic tools, genetics, biochemistry, and proteomic approaches. These studies will contribute to understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms that control the formation of subcellular signaling domains, cell-wide polarity, and cell migration.

Publication (5%)

The candidate will publish research in peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (5%)

The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. 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 grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific fields of Cell Biology and Cell Migration 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.

III. SERVICE (5%)

Training and mentoring (5%)

The candidate will supervise students, technicians, or visitors in specific projects coordinated with the Principal Investigator regarding the definition and execution of projects together with technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments.

University and Public Service (0%)

This category is encouraged but not required. The candidate will engage at their own discretion 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 at their own discretion in University service activities such as committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

Department: https://mmg.ucdavis.edu/

Lab: https://collinslab.ucdavis.edu/

• Ph.D. in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field
• More than 5 years of research experience post-PhD
• The ability to work independently at a high level of competence on complex projects, as evidenced by leading projects resulting in peer-reviewed publications
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, evidenced by relevant publications
• Experience in live-cell microscopy and quantitative analysis of resulting images
• Experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches
• Experience with standard laboratory techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry
• Skills and a track record of trouble shooting and optimizing lab protocols.
• Skills for accurate, complete, and neat record keeping and familiarity with principles of open data and reproducibility.

• Experience using optogenetic approaches
• Experience with using and analysis of fluorescent biosensors

• 2 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.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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