Project Scientist; McNally Lab

Position overview

Salary range:
The salary range for this position is $76,700-$120,100. 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: January 21, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Feb 5, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

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

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 focused on meiosis and early development in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The position will require competence in molecular biology, research animal husbandry, histology and microscopy, genetic manipulation, and familiarity with basic image analysis. 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 collaborations with other lab members based on their expertise to complete projects investigating the early developmental mechanisms that ensure a correct number of chromosomes in zygotes. The position will also require maintenance of any animals necessary for the Project Scientist's research, as well as contribution to general upkeep of laboratory resources 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.

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.

TO APPLY

To apply , please go to the following link:
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07473

Qualified applicants…