Assistant, Associate, Project Scientist - Wan Lab

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $79,400 - $209,000

Open date: October 23, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Nov 8, 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 Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine invites applications for a full time Project Scientist position in Dr. Wan's Lab.

NATURE AND PURPOSE
The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to research projects in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses 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. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program, he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation.

He/she 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 as an exception.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant, associate, or full rank.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. RESEARCH (90%)
Research activity (60%)
This position requires creative contributions to, and collaborative development of an active research program investigating diet-associated metabolic diseases and associated immunological issues. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. He/she will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In some cases, the candidate may supervise students, postdoctoral fellows, other trainees, or research staff on the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments.

A successful candidate must have experience and knowledge of gut microbiota, metabolomics, and animal models of obesity, metabolic liver diseases, and digestive cancer. Expertise in cell cultures, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis is essential.

Publication (15%)
The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (15%)
The candidate will assist and/or directly apply for funding from federal and 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.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)
The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral or poster presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions.

Number of Positions Available: 1

Term of Appointment:
One-year appointment at 100%, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the research project.

(required at time of application)

Basic Qualifications:

-PhD…