Project Scientist-Bennett Lab

NATURE AND PURPOSE

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

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Brian Bennett and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment. This role will foster intellectual and technical skill growth and enrich existing knowledge and expertise.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH (90%)

Research activity (80%)

The candidate will contribute to an existing active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of diet and metabolism and their relationship with genotype, gene expression and pathological outcomes. This includes three main areas of focus.

1) To evaluate metabolic individuality in response to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the relationship between an individual's response and disease prevention though utilization of Diversity Outbreed (DO) mice.

2) Elucidating relationship between metabolic (diet), genetic (collaborative cross strains, multi-parental genetic reference mouse population), and gut microbiota factors on promotion of atherosclerosis by trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO).

3) Determine if refining the DGA to a mediterranean diet may improve health measures (i.e., body weight/composition, metabolic profile, TMAO, etc.).

For these projects the candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. They will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In addition, the candidate will assist in the supervision of undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments. This may also include working with human study subjects and/or samples and data generated from these human subject studies. Which may include analysis of metabolomic, genetic or microbiota data.

Grant Acquisition (5%)

The candidate will assist in writing 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 may interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

Publication (5%)

The candidate will publish research in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the collaborative research team.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to the fields of nutrition, obesity, metabolism and the pathological consequences thereof and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate may attend seminars to present research results and may give presentations to the public and professional interest groups.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The candidate will act as a reviewer evaluating merits and promotions of academic professionals in the academic federation. Further, the individual may also be involved in the UC Davis Academic Federation by serving on committees. The candidate may also engage in university service activities such as guest lecturing. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

* Ph.D. in nutrition, biology, or related field

* 10+ years' experience with the design and execution of rodent model studies

* 5+ years' experience evaluating the effects of nutrition, obesity, sex, and genetic permutations on metabolism and behavior in murine models

* Expertise in rodent (mouse and rat) metabolic and behavioral studies.

a. Cognitive, motor function behavior tests (NOR, Y-maze, Barnes maze, rotarod, open field, grip strength etc.)

b. Metabolic function tests (GTT, ITT, indirect calorimetry)

* Experience with collaborate cross and diversity outbred murine models are preferred.

* Establish, maintain and utilize primary and cell line cell cultures

* Utilize numerous cell/molecular biology techniques including ELISA, western blot, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA/protein techniques, radioisotope tracer methods, immunohist/cyto chemistry and microscopy

* Experience with initiating and managing human subject studies (protocol preparation, IRB submission and study oversight)

* Proficiency in statistical analysis (i.e., Prism)

* Strong organizational and supervision skills associated with project management

* Strong written and oral communication skills

• 4-6 required (contact information only)

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: Affirmative 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 (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 also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). 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.