Project Scientist (Al-Bassam Lab 2026)

Position overview Salary range: $79,400-$119,500. 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. Application Window Open date: August 11, 2026 Next review date: Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Final date: Monday, Nov 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Position description The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis is seeking applications for an Assistant Project Scientist position in the structural biology of microtubule regulatory and motor proteins. 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 Project Scientists traditionally do not serve as Principal Investigator on grant applications, they may support the principal investigator and may participate as co-investigators on research grant proposals. I. Research (95%) Research Activity (85%) This position requires that the Project Scientist join an existing research program focused on the structural biology of microtubule-based motors and regulatory proteins. The position will require extensive expertise in molecular biology, biochemical reconstitution of protein assemblies, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) sample preparation, cryo-EM imaging and single particle cryo-EM structure determination methodology utilizing Relion and Cryosparc programs, and molecular model building methods. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the Project Scientist will: 1) develop research plans; 2) drive experimental efforts and analyses; 3) coordinate collaborations with other lab members to expand their expertise to complete projects investigating the reconstitution and cryo-EM structures of microtubule-based motors and regulatory assemblies. The Project Scientist's research, as well as contribution to general upkeep of laboratory resources and structural data submission to databases. Publication (5%) The candidate is expected to perform publication‑quality research and write and prepare figures for manuscripts based on their results of research projects. The Project scientist will primarily write and design figures for their research with feedback from the principal investigator. The candidate should also be willing to make reasonable supportive scientific 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 present research results on their work in public and professional seminars. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the lab's research, a research statement describing previous research experience with emphasis on skills and interests relevant to the lab's research (max 2 pages), and a curriculum vitae listing publications in the field of structural biology. Documents must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for three references. QUESTIONS Please direct questions to Jawdat Al‑Bassam (View email address on click.appcast.io). Qualifications Applicants should have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology, or a related field with at least five years of postdoctoral training in one of the aforementioned fields. The candidate must have a track record of productivity in the field of structural biology and biophysics. The track record of productivity must include first author publication(s) in the field of biophysics and structural biology. They must have competence in molecular biology, protein purification, reconstitution of protein assemblies, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) sample preparation, imaging and structure determination using single particle methodology. They should be willing to act as a point person for the laboratory's biochemical charaterization equipment and train less experienced members of the lab in biochemical methods, cryo-EM and other methodology on which they are experienced. Applicant must be willing to mentor graduate and undergraduate students, including assisting them in learning protocols and developing their scientific writing and presentation skills. Applicant should be self‑motivated and capable of working independently to develop a project, but because the lab depends on scientists with diverse research backgrounds bringing their unique expertise to collaborations, ability to work as part of a team is also essential. Preferred qualifications Prior experience with single particle cryo-EM structural biology is preferred. Application Requirements Document requirements Cover Letter - Describe your interest in the lab's research Statement of Research - Describing your previous research experience with emphasis on skills and interests relevant to the lab's research (max 2 pages) Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., listing publications in the field of germline biology 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 required (contact information only) Help contact View email address on click.appcast.io 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. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties APM - 035: Affiant Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment 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. 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 or 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. 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. 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Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. Job location Davis, CA #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - Davis