Assistant/Associate/Full-Project Scientist, Campana Lab
University of California, Davis·Davis, CA
- Type
- Full-time
Position overview
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $76,700- $124,700 for full-time (non-exempt $36.74/hr-59.73/hr for part-time) Application Window
Open date: April 30, 2026
Most recent review date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 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 Campana Lab, within the Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for an Assistant, Associate or Full Project Scientist. Rank dependent on experience (50-100% appointment effort). The successful candidate will conduct research in the area of basic neuroscience, neurobiology and systems neuroscience.
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 in the neuroscience field. Appointees with Project Scientist series may engage in University and public service. They do 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, Professional Researcher, etc.), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The Project Scientist will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.
The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Campana and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% effort)
1) Research Activity (60%)
- Design, initiate and refine experimental approaches to study painful peripheral neuropathy
- In collaboration with the PI, the candidate will develop research plans and carry out many of the experiments and analyses
- Plan transgenic mouse model systems to investigate Schwann cell: Immune interactions related to neuropathic pain (oral cancer pain, chemotherapy induced neuropathy and sciatica)
- Apply advanced techniques (ZetaView, Oni, Exodus, NTA) to investigate extracellular vesicles in peripheral nerve communication
- Perform experiments to define the role of Schwann cell derived extracellular vesicles in heath and disease
- Prepare reagents via protein expression and purification of proteins for in vitro and in vivo studies
- Perform discovery-based approaches in transcriptomics and proteomics to identify novel contributors to the development of pain related outcome. Compare existing national data bases with planned experiments to optimize datasets and utilize appropriate statistical and computational analyses of single cell RNA sequencing data
- Mentor Visiting Scholars (MD, PhDs) from Japan, postdoctoral trainees and graduate students. This includes methods development of projects, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow up experiments
- Coordinate collaborative research efforts across multidisciplinary projects and external partners.
Other research activities may include:
- Obtaining and maintaining appropriate laboratory and safety protocols
- Managing animal protocols
- Reviewing grants and manuscripts.
2) Publications (20%)
- Summarize and analyze research findings in figures for manuscript submission, conference proceedings and presentations
- Contribute as a lead author or co-author on publications annually
- Provide critical review of manuscripts ad proposal from other lab members.
3) Grant Acquisition (10%)
- Assist the PI in writing proposals by drafting sections related to Aims, Methods and Preliminary Data
- Assisting the PI with developing new projects that form the foundation of new grant application submissions. Specifically, those that are outlined by NIH RFAs.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)
- Contribute expertise to professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field of neuroscience
- Participate in departmental research initiatives such as retreats and seminars.
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
- Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Cell Biology or related field
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in field/specialty post terminal degree. Post terminal degree research experience should not exceed 8 years
- Research experience in neurobiology, glia: neuron: immune interactions, nanoparticles, painful peripheral neuropathy and/or spinal cord injury is preferred but experience in other neuroscience or cancer systems is welcomed
- Evidence of academic accomplishment, such as multiple first authored papers and conference presentations
- The candidate is expected to have systems biology experience that utilize transgenic mouse models (CreLox, knockout, Crispr/Cas) and can further analyzing tissues for cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to neuropathology
- The candidate should have excellent writing skills and interest in contributing/writing grant applications
- Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry: Experience with cloning, protein expression and purification, ligand-receptor interactions, cell signaling, immunoblotting, ELISA, experience with isolating and analyzing extracellular vesicles
- Cell Biology: Nanoparticle tracking, siRNA technology, immunofluorescence and experience with confocal microscopy, live cell imaging and cell migration/adhesion studies in primary cell cultures (sensory neurons and glial cells preferred)
- Transcriptome and Proteomic Analysis and Computational Approaches: Experience with RNA isolation, gene editing and qPCR. Leverage expertise in transcriptome and proteomic analysis to decode gene and protein expression patterns across various mouse and human diseases, essential for biomarker identification and understanding disease pathways. Experience preparing samples for single cell RNA Sequencing and using R/pathway analyses.
- Systems Neurobiology and Disease: Implementing multifaceted approaches to explore molecular and cellular responses to nerve injury or stress that relate to painful peripheral neuropathies, revealing new targets for drug discovery, and identifying novel biomarkers (example: extracellular vesicles).
*At least 3 of the 4 qualifications above are required
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
- Experience working in an active lab with visiting scholars, post docs, graduate students and technicians.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research (Optional)
Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
Statement of Teaching (Optional)
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: nscudiero@health.ucdavis.edu
About UC Davis
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
- "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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Job location
Davis, CA
Job ID: JPF07625