Assistant Project Scientist - Grandi

The University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology invites applications for 1 full-time academic position in the Assistant Project Scientist series.

The successful candidate should have research experience and interests aimed at deciphering the molecular, cellular, and tissue mechanisms through which cardiac and vascular myocyte electrophysiologic, calcium signaling, and stretch-induced changes are involved in cardiac supra ventricular arrhythmias. The incumbent will be highly involved in ongoing projects examining the pathophysiological regulation of cardiac and vascular myocyte and tissue function.

The duties of this position will be to carry out research, analysis, and writing related to the following studies:
1) Delineating the mechanisms by which ionic, structural, and contractile remodeling affects pacemaker function and atrial physiology in health and disease;
2) Linking sex differences in atrial electrophysiology and Ca handling to sex-specific arrhythmia mechanisms and optimizing treatment in male and female;
3) Developing finite element models of cardiac and vascular contraction and their impairment in atrial fibrillation.

The candidate will be an integral member of our interactive and collaborative research team, contributing to scientific discussions, mentoring, and the development of independent research directions broadly related to cardiac and vascular electrophysiology, contraction, and arrhythmia mechanisms.
The duties and responsibilities of this position include: developing and refining computational models of cardiac and vascular myocytes and tissues; performing parameter estimation, model validation, and predictive analyses; preparing figures, analyses, and written summaries for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications; contributing to the design of collaborative validation studies with experimental partners; pursuing independent funding opportunities aligned with the candidate’s research program;

and maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and collaborative scholarship within the laboratory environment.

Anticipated salary range for this position: $79,400-$101,100

This position involves creative and collaborative contributions to an active research program focused on the mechanisms underlying atrial arrhythmia susceptibility and their consequences for vascular physiology. In consultation with the Principal Investigator, the candidate will help define research goals and lead the design of specific projects, including the selection, development, and implementation of appropriate computational and quantitative approaches. The candidate may supervise students or other trainees in technical aspects of the research, including model construction, data integration, troubleshooting, interpretation of findings, and design of follow-up studies.

The candidate may also participate in collaborative projects with investigators within UC Davis and at other institutions. The candidate is required to have theoretical and practical knowledge of computational modeling relevant to cardiovascular physiology and disease. Particularly desirable is expertise in differential equation-based modeling, finite element methods, and their integration. Experience relevant to cardiac and vascular electrophysiology modeling is highly desirable.

The candidate must be able to independently develop and interpret computational models that yield mechanistic insight and generate experimentally testable predictions. The candidate will be expected to publish results, assist in preparation of grant applications, contribute new research directions aligned with the laboratory’s broader goals, and assist the Principal Investigator in mentoring graduate and undergraduate trainees.

The candidate will publish research in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

The candidate will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and…