Assistant Project Scientist - Namekawa lab

Position Overview

Salary range: $76,700 - $85,000

Open date:
May 18, 2026

Next review date:
Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date:
Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Assistant Project Scientist position in Dr. Satoshi Namekawa's laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis.

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to research or creative projects. The appointee possesses subject matter expertise and creative energy necessary for high-level competence. No teaching responsibilities. Work independently under guidance of an academic member with independent research program. Does not usually serve as Principal Investigator.

I. Research in Specialized Areas (90%)

• Research activity (80%):
  Investigate molecular mechanisms by which 3D genome establishes and regulates transcriptional programs during male germline differentiation using mouse germ cell systems and genome-wide approaches. Plan, perform, analyze experiments, maintain records, interpret results, prepare figures and manuscripts, present findings. Support other lab members.
• Publication (5%):
  Publish research in peer-reviewed journals, contribute to manuscripts, preprints, figures, and scholarly products.
• Grant acquisition (5%):
  Assist in acquiring funding proposals, prepare progress reports, budgets, and other grant components; interact with funding agencies.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (5%)

• Participate in professional societies and conferences; present research results; may coordinate and give presentations; serve as reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications.

III. Service (5%)

• Training and mentoring (5%):
  Supervise and mentor students, technicians, visitors in projects coordinated with Principal Investigator. Provide guidance on technical aspects, troubleshooting, data interpretation, responsible data management, reproducibility, planning follow-up experiments.
• University and Public Service (0%):
  Encourage public outreach; possible guest lecturing and committee service. No teaching classroom courses.

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• Ph.D. in epigenomics, biology, reproductive biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genome biology, or related field.
• More than 5 years research experience post-PhD or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex research projects with peer-reviewed publications.
• Research experience in mammalian germ cell biology or germline differentiation.
• Experience with epigenomic, genomic, or transcriptomic approaches such as Hi‑C, ChIP‑seq/CUT‑Tag, RNA‑seq, or related next-generation sequencing methods.
• Experience with mouse genetics, germ cell collection, tissue dissection, cell sorting, or related animal model approaches.
• Experience with standard molecular biology and cell biology techniques: DNA/RNA isolation, library preparation, PCR/qPCR, immunostaining, microscopy, 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, 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.

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae – most recent C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Authorization to Release Information Form – required for all academic recruitments.

Reference requirements: 2 required (contact information only)

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 and federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Some UC Davis positions may require an E‑Verify check.

Davis, CA