Postdoctoral Researcher; McKenney Lab

Position overview

Salary range:
The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step  Table 23:
Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct, Fiscal Year. The salary range for this position is $69,073-$82,836. "Off-scale salaries" means a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Open date: November 25, 2025

Most recent review date: Friday, Jan 9, 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.

Postdoctoral Position in Alzheimer's Disease and Tau Biology

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Postdoctoral Researcher in cell biology and neurodegeneration research.

A postdoctoral scholar position is available immediately in the lab of Dr. Richard McKenney in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at UC Davis. The successful candidate will lead independent research projects focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of tau protein dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. The position will utilize state-of-the-art single-molecule imaging, biochemical reconstitution, and cell-based assays as major approaches to investigate how pathological tau phosphorylation patterns disrupt normal tau-microtubule interactions and promote tau aggregation.

Projects will entail, but not be limited to:

• Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy of tau dynamics on microtubules
• Biochemical reconstitution of tau-microtubule interactions using purified components
• Generation and characterization of phosphorylated tau variants
• Cell-based assays using authentic Alzheimer's disease brain-derived tau filaments
• Quantitative image analysis and biophysical modeling

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of basic cell biology and translational Alzheimer's research, with direct access to patient-derived samples through collaboration with the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

Research (90%)

• Design and carry out experiments using techniques including protein expression and purification, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy (TIRF), tau aggregation assays, and live-cell imaging
• Perform quantitative analysis of tau dynamics, microtubule interactions, and aggregation kinetics
• Collect, analyze, and present data in group meetings and external conferences
• Maintain detailed experimental records and notes
• Work with the Principal Investigator to prepare high-quality peer-reviewed manuscripts and grant submissions to pursue funding opportunities
• Provide peer review and feedback on manuscripts and grants
• Collaborate with researchers at the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and other institutions

Lab Management (10%)

• Provide technical support and mentoring for junior researchers (graduate students and undergraduates)
• Maintain lab stocks, reagents, and databases
• Contribute to lab maintenance and organization
• Assist with equipment maintenance and optimization of microscopy platforms

Please direct questions to Richard McKenney, rjmckenney

Qualified applicants should upload:

• Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
• Research statement describing relevant research experience, technical skills, and how your background aligns with the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three references
• Documents must be submitted as PDF files.

Apply via this URL: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07419

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Graduate degree (PhD or equivalent) in cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, neuroscience, or related field with demonstrated expertise in protein biochemistry and microscopy. Candidate must have experience in fluorescence microscopy techniques. Candidate also must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and data and to archive and document reagents and data for publications, grant proposals, and presentations.

Strong organizational and planning skills are a must. Prior experience with single-molecule imaging, microtubule dynamics, or neurodegenerative disease research is preferred. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills and the ability to work well both independently and as a part of a team.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research projects
• Strong written and oral communication skills,…