Project Scientist Institute Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics

Project Scientist Position Overview

The Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics (IPN) at the University of California, Davis is seeking a Project Scientist to join our team. The position will be housed in the Department of Chemistry in the Project Scientist Series (Academic Federation) with rank and salary commensurate with experience. Salary range is $76,700-$210,700.

Research (90%)

• Work with the institute's director and associate director to achieve IPN goals and help build a world‑class research program in neuropharmacology and CNS therapeutic development.
• Serve as key personnel of the pre‑clinical pharmacology team.
• Collaborate with the Directors of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry to identify lead candidates for various indications.
• Work with IPN‑affiliated principal investigators and their trainees.
• Oversee multiple concurrent research programs, internal and external collaborative projects.
• Design, plan, execute, and analyze in‑vitro and in‑vivo assays and train staff to perform these assays reliably.
• Develop and implement high‑throughput assays.
• Maintain equipment necessary for in‑vitro and in‑vivo evaluation of compounds.
• Oversee laboratory safety.
• Mentor staff and trainees within the IPN pharmacology team.
• Assist leadership in writing grant proposals and securing funding from federal, state, private, and industrial sources.
• Publish results in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals.
• File patents to protect UC Davis intellectual property.
• Initiate, evaluate, and implement IPN pilot grants.
• Prepare reports and manage data rooms during diligence with potential industrial partners.
• Manage project budgets, supervise graduate students and undergraduates, submit progress reports to funding agencies, present at conferences, participate in professional societies, and review grants and manuscripts.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate laboratory and safety protocols.

Professional Competence and Activity (5%)

• Participate in professional societies and conferences relevant to the field.
• Serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications.
• Attend seminars to present research results and give presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• Coordinate seminars and laboratory meetings when requested.

University and Public Service (5%)

• Engage in university service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service.
• Provide public outreach by presenting scientific research to the general public and advising individuals or public agencies.

Project Scientist series:
The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses subject‑matter expertise and creative energy necessary for high‑level competence. They may engage in university and public service but have no teaching responsibilities. The Project Scientist typically works independently under the guidance of an academic member with automatic principal investigator status, but is not usually a principal investigator.

• Ph.D. in pharmacology, neuroscience, physiology, or related field.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Evidence of high‑quality, innovative, and significant research or creative activities.
• Experience with neuronal cultures.
• Experience with multiple forms of microscopy.

• Experience performing standard pharmacology assays relevant to GPCRs, ion channels, and/or kinases.
• Expertise in the development of therapeutics for central nervous system disorders.
• Background in assay development/implementation for common targets such as GPCRs, ion channels, and kinases.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing the necessary documents under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub‑contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E‑Verify check.