Project Scientist; Luxton Lab

The salary range for this position is $79,400-$119,500. Off-scale salaries, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Open date:
November 4, 2026

Next review date:
Thursday, Nov 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis is seeking applications for an Assistant/Associate Project Scientist position in cell biophysics.

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 they will predominantly work independently with guidance from the Principal Investigator, they are not expected to work toward an independent research program or laboratory. While Project Scientists traditionally do not serve as Principal Investigator on grant applications, they may do so by exception.

I. Research (95%)

Research Activity (85%)

This position requires that the Project Scientist join an existing research program, funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), that uses quantitative live-cell imaging to measure the physical state of human cells during stabilization and recovery. The position will require competence in live-cell fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, and mammalian cell culture. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the Project Scientist will:
1) develop research plans,
2) carry out the majority of experiments and analyses, and
3) coordinate with collaborating laboratories at UC Davis and partner institutions to complete project milestones. The position will also require maintenance of the cell lines and reagents necessary for the Project Scientist's research, as well as contribution to general upkeep of laboratory resources, equipment, and databases.

Publication (5%)

The candidate is expected to perform publication-quality research and write manuscripts based on the results of research projects. The Principal Investigator will provide feedback and guidance, but primary writing and figure design will be the responsibility of the Project Scientist. The candidate should also be willing to make small, reasonable 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, and in preparing progress reports required by the funding agency.

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 attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in cell biology, biophysics, bioengineering, or a related field, with postdoctoral research experience in one of the aforementioned fields. The candidate must have a track record of productivity, including first author publication(s). They must have competence in live-cell…