Project Scientist; McNally Lab

Open date: January 21, 2026

Most recent review date: Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis is seeking applications for an Assistant/Associate Project Scientist position in germline biology.
A Project Scientist is expected to have significant experience in the Principal Investigator's (Assistant, Associate, or full Professor) research field or skills applicable to the field. They should have experience developing scientific projects and carrying out experiments, analysis, and writing to complete publication-quality research. Based on this experience, they must be prepared to make intellectual and creative contributions to the Principal Investigator's research goals.

They should continue to improve the depth and breadth of their research skills in their role as Project Scientist. While they will predominantly work independently with guidance from the Principal Investigator, they are not expected to work toward an independent research program or laboratory. While Project Scientists traditionally do not serve as Principal Investigator on grant applications, they may do so by exception.

I. Research (95%)

Research Activity (85%)
This position requires that the Project Scientist join an existing research program focused on meiosis and early development in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The position will require competence in molecular biology, research animal husbandry, histology and microscopy, genetic manipulation, and familiarity with basic image analysis. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the Project Scientist will:
1) develop research plans,
2) carry out the majority of experiments and analyses, and
3) coordinate collaborations with other lab members based on their expertise to complete projects investigating the early developmental mechanisms that ensure a correct number of chromosomes in zygotes. The position will also require maintenance of any animals necessary for the Project Scientist's research, as well as contribution to general upkeep of laboratory resources and databases.

Publication (5%)
The candidate is expected to perform publication-quality research and write manuscripts based on the results of research projects. The Principal Investigator will provide feedback and guidance, but primary writing and figure design will be the responsibility of the Project Scientist. The candidate should also be willing to make small, reasonable contributions to the projects of other lab members and provide thorough feedback on any manuscript for which their contributions merit authorship.

Grant Acquisition (5%)
While the position does not typically require the candidate to serve as Principal Investigator on grant applications, they should be prepared to assist the Principal Investigator in writing portions of grants that relate to their own projects and expertise.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (5%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field 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.

TO APPLY

To apply , please go to the following link:
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07473

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the lab's research, a research statement describing previous research experience with emphasis on skills and interests relevant to the lab's research (max 2 pages), and a curriculum vitae listing publications in the field of germline biology. Documents must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for three references.

QUESTIONS
Please direct questions to Frank McNally fjmcnally.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, or a related field with at least a further five years of postdoctoral training in one of the aforementioned fields.…