Assistant​/Associate Project Scientist: Chen-Zhang laboratory

The Xinbin Chen-Jin Zhang laboratory in the Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, invites applicants for a Project Scientist position.

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. The appointee with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service.

They does not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor and Adjunct Professor), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. They will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status.

The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

Research (90% Effort)

Research activity (80%):
The candidate will contribute and collaborate on the development of an active research program in basic and translational oncology with a special emphasis on the p53 and related pathways. They will design specific projects with clearly defined goals in consultation with the Principal Investigators as a team.

They will supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble- shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments. Specifically, they will work on the p53 and related signaling pathway and analyze key signaling molecules for tumor suppression or tumor promotion. They will determine whether the signaling molecules in the p53 pathway can be explored as a target and/or a marker for cancer therapeutic development.

Moreover, they will collaborate with researchers from various disciplines requiring a broad base of knowledge in the field of cancer biology and therapeutic development.

Publication (5%):
The candidate will publish their research results in peer-reviewed journals and books in collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team or independently.

Grant acquisition (5%):
The candidate will assist PI in preparing proposals for funding from federal/state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

The candidate may participate in seminar series, professional societies, and conferences appropriate to the candidate's specific field. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at laboratory meetings and educational functions. Mentoring undergraduate students is expected.

The candidate may engage in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities.

PhD in biomedical sciences or related field and/or a professional degree.

At least 3 years of postdoctoral research experiences in cancer biology, molecular pharmacology or related fields along with a strong record of publications.

A broad range of skills in molecular and cell biology, interpersonal and organization skills, communication (i.e., written) skills, and the ability to work independently.