Project Scientist - Paszek Lab

Position overview

Salary range :

A reasonable estimate for this position is $102,000 - $117,500; hourly $48.86 - $56.28

Application Window

Open date : October 22, 2025

Next review date : Monday, Dec 15, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Tuesday, Oct 20, 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.

Position description

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his / her 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. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles 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, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc), 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 by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE :

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85% EFFORT)

Research activity (75%) : This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research areas of biomedical optics, super-resolution imaging, and cancer biophysics. 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. Specific projects may include the design and fabrication of new instrumentation, particularly optical imaging systems. In some cases, the candidate may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments.

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

Grant Acquisition (10%) : The candidate will assist in acquiring proposals 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% EFFORT)

The appointee will participate in professional societies, conferences, and is expected to serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The appointee is expected to present research findings at conferences 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.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

The candidate may engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. The candidate may engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

Qualified candidates are anticipated to have a PhD in physics, biophysics, engineering or related discipline with a research emphasis on optical imaging and biomedical instrumentation. Candidates should have demonstrable experience with the design, construction, and maintenance of custom optical imaging systems, particularly super-resolution microscopes or related systems.

Preferred qualifications

(other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Well qualified candidates will also have experience with mammalian cell culture and standard techniques in cell and molecular biology. Additional experience with recombinant protein production and purification is preferred.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Statement of Research (Optional)

Statement of Teaching (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 .

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

None

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07312

Help contact : celflores@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.

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http : / / breathefree.ucdavis.edu / ).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at : http : / / www.uscis.gov / e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan : "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement , and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400 .

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice . There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings . UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come .

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and / or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Davis, CA