Project Scientist (Al-Bassam Lab 2026

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis is seeking applications for an Assistant Project Scientist position in the structural biology of microtubule regulatory and motor proteins

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 Project Scientists traditionally do not serve as Principal Investigator on grant applications, they may support the principal investigator and may participate as co-investigators on research grant proposals.

I. Research (95%)

Research Activity (85%) This position requires that the Project Scientist join an existing research program focused on the structural biology of microtubule-based motors and regulatory proteins. The position will require extensive expertise in molecular biology, biochemical reconstitution of protein assemblies, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) sample preparation, cryo-EM imaging and single particle cryo-EM structure determination methodology utilizing Relion and Cryosparc programs, and molecular model building methods.

In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the Project Scientist will:
1) develop research plans,
2) drive experimental efforts and analyses,
3) coordinate collaborations with other lab members to expand their expertise to complete projects investigating the reconstitution and cryo-EM structures of microtubule-based motors and regulatory assemblies. The Project Scientist’s research, as well as contribution to general upkeep of laboratory resources and structural data submission to databases.

Publication (5%) The candidate is expected to perform publication-quality research and write and prepare figures for manuscripts based on their results of research projects. The Project scientist will primarily write and design figures for their research with feedback from the principal investigator. The candidate should also be willing to make reasonable supportive scientific 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 present research results on their work in public and professional seminars. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

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 structural biology. Documents must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for three references.

QUESTIONS Please direct questions to Jawdat Al-Bassam (jmalbassam).

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology, or a related field with at least five years of postdoctoral training in one of the aforementioned fields. The candidate must have a track record of productivity in the field of structural biology and biophysics.…