Assistant Project Scientist

The Santana Lab, within the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for up to one full-time Assistant Project Scientist. The successful candidate will conduct research in cardiovascular physiology and biophysics, focused on how cellular metabolism and membrane excitability set the rate and regularity of cardiac pacemaking.

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their 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 in cardiovascular physiology and biophysics. 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. L. Fernando Santana and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)
Research Activity (65%)
The appointee will lead projects that test how beat-to-beat fluctuations in cytosolic and mitochondrial ATP, and in membrane voltage, control the rate and regularity of the heartbeat. The work uses genetically encoded voltage and ATP sensors delivered to mice by adeno-associated virus, two-photon linescan imaging of ex vivo sinoatrial node preparations, and pharmacological and genetic manipulation of mitochondrial function. The appointee will also develop and maintain the lab’s image- and signal-analysis software, build computational models linking these measurements to pacemaker cell function, and train graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in these methods.

*Other research activities may include:
• Obtaining and maintaining appropriate laboratory and safety protocols
• Managing project budgets
• Write and submit progress reports to funding agencies
• Reviewing grants and manuscripts

Publications (10% effort)
The appointee will publish research in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (15% effort)
The appointee will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The appointee will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field of cardiovascular physiology and biophysics. They will serve as a reviewer of research proposals, and scientific publications as appropriate. They will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups.

When appropriate, they may coordinate seminars and laboratory meetings.

*This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank regardless of the proposed appointee’s qualifications.
*A reasonable estimate for this position is $79,100 – $101,100.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physiology, biophysics, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or a related field.
• Minimum number of 3 or more years of experience in relevant Postdoc research or physiology, biophysics, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or a related field.
• Research experience in cardiac or cardiovascular physiology.
• Experience with fluorescence imaging of live excitable cells or tissues.
• Evidence of academic accomplishment, including first-author referred journal papers and conference presentations.
• Experience with quantitative analysis of imaging or electrophysiological data using a programming language such as Python or MATLAB.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience with two-photon or confocal linescan imaging of genetically encoded voltage, Ca2+, or ATP sensors.
• Experience with sinoatrial node or other cardiac pacemaker preparations.
• Experience with AAV-mediated gene delivery and genetically modified mouse models.
• Experience developing analysis software or computational models of cellular excitability or metabolism.
• Record of applying for independent research support, such as fellowships or career development awards.

TO APPLY:
To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07933. This position will remain open until filled.

Qualified applicants should submit:
• CV with a complete list of publications (required)
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Contact information for 3-5 references
• Authorization to Release Information