Assistant Project Scientist - Namekawa lab

An Assistant Project Scientist position is available in Dr. Satoshi Namekawa's laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) in the College of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Davis.

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 microbiology, molecular genetics, reproductive biology, epigenomics, 3D genome organization, chromatin regulation, and male germ cell differentiation. The successful candidate will help determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator and will design specific projects, including the selection and optimization of appropriate experimental and computational methods.

Specifically, the candidate will conduct research on the molecular mechanisms by which the 3D genome establishes and regulates transcriptional programs during male germline differentiation. Research activities will include studying higher-order chromatin organization, epigenetic memory, transcriptional regulation, and spermatogenic differentiation using mouse germ cell systems and genome-wide approaches. The candidate will perform and analyze high-resolution chromosome conformation and epigenomic assays, including Hi-C and complementary chromatin profiling approaches, from primordial germ cells through prospermatogonia and undifferentiated spermatogonia. The candidate will also integrate 3D genome, chromatin, and gene expression datasets to determine how higher-order chromatin interactions are established and how these mechanisms contribute to male germ cell identity, fertility, and reproductive success.

The candidate is responsible for planning and performing scientific experiments, analyzing data, maintaining accurate and reproducible records, interpreting results, preparing figures and manuscripts, and presenting research findings. The candidate may support other laboratory members regarding technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting, data interpretation, and planning follow-up experiments.

Publication (5%)

The candidate will publish research in peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team and will contribute to preparing manuscripts, preprints, figures, and related scholarly products.

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 progress reports, research summaries, budgets, and other grant components as required by granting agencies. The candidate may interact with funding agencies and assist with modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to the fields of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, reproductive biology, epigenomics, and genome biology. The candidate will attend seminars, present research results, and may give oral or poster presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions and may serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications.

III. SERVICE (5%)

Training and mentoring (5%)

The candidate will supervise and mentor students, technicians, or visitors in specific projects coordinated with the Principal Investigator regarding the definition and execution of projects. The candidate will provide guidance on technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results, responsible data management, open data practices, reproducibility, and planning follow-up experiments.

University and Public Service (0%)

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

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

Lab: https://namekawalab.ucdavis.edu/

* Ph.D. in epigenomics, biology, reproductive biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genome biology, or a related field.

* More than 5 years of research experience post-PhD or equivalent advanced research experience in a relevant field.

* Demonstrated ability to work independently at a high level of competence on complex research projects, as evidenced by leading projects resulting in peer-reviewed publications or comparable scholarly products.

* Research experience in mammalian germ cell biology, spermatogenesis, reproductive biology, or germline differentiation.

* Experience with epigenomic, genomic, or transcriptomic approaches and analysis, such as Hi-C, ChIP-seq/CUT&Tag, RNA-seq, or related next-generation sequencing methods.

* Experience with mouse genetics, mouse germ cell collection, tissue dissection, cell sorting, or related animal model approaches.

* Experience with standard laboratory techniques in molecular biology and cell biology, including DNA/RNA isolation, library preparation, PCR/qPCR, immunostaining, microscopy, and tissue processing.

* Experience analyzing large-scale sequencing datasets using computational tools and reproducible workflows.

* Research experience in 3D genome organization, chromatin architecture, epigenomic regulation, or higher-order genome structure.

* Advanced experience with high-resolution Hi-C or related chromosome conformation capture methods.

* Experience profiling or analyzing transcription factors, DNA methylation, histone modifications, or chromatin states in germ cells or developmental systems.

* Experience integrating 3D genome, chromatin, and gene expression datasets to interpret transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.

* Familiarity with UNIX/Linux high-performance computing environments and common genomics software for sequencing data analysis.

• 2 required (contact information only)

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• "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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