Assistant, Associate or Full Project Scientist | Morrison Lab 2025

Nature and Purpose

The Project Scientist (PS) makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their academic discipline. The appointee will work across Morrison Laboratory funded projects and on archival materials/data pertaining to the NIA-funded geriatric colony of Rhesus macaques present in the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC). The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. Given the wide range of research interests pursued in the Morrison Lab (e.g., aging, neurodegeneration, neurovirology, development of novel animal models) and the emphasis on post-mortem tissue analyses, the appointee should have expertise in neuroanatomy, histology, high-resolution microscopy, and image segmentation, which can be applied across various research projects. Experience in Alzheimer's Dementia/neurodegeneration and non-human primate research is highly valued. Strong quantitative and writing skills are also required, and the ability to write computer code for complex data analysis is preferred. 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 in 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.), they are not required to develop an independent research program of reputation. The appointee will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by Dr. John H. Morrison, Professor of the Department of Neurology (UC Davis School of Medicine), and Core Scientist in the Neuroscience and Behavior Unit at the CNPRC. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception. The position will be 100% on-site.

Major Responsibilities

(Specific responsibilities associated with the particular appointment and subject matter area should be developed using the following list of general responsibilities associated with the Project Scientist position. A sample statement is included under each general responsibility.)

I. RESEARCH (85%)

Research Activity (55%)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of neural aging, neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and neurovirology. The candidate will help determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI). The appointee will work across projects in the laboratory, including experimental design, processing post-mortem samples, performing histological analyses, acquiring photomicrographs, data analysis, and manuscript preparation and publication in consultation with the PI. The appointee will also be expected to supervise undergraduate and graduate students and technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, data collection, performance of assays, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments. The appointee will also be expected to engage in project management and establishing and maintaining collaborations.

Publication (15%)

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

Grant Acquisition (15%)

The candidate will assist in identifying and preparing 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 research administrators and funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences as 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.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

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

Basic qualifications (required at time of application):

The basic qualification for this position is a PhD or equivalent graduate degree and a minimum of three years postdoctoral experience in cellular neurobiology, neuropathology, and/or systems neuroscience.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start):

The ideal candidate will show strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills while, promoting teamwork in a diverse multidisciplinary environment and supporting the research activities of the PI and research team. A strong interest in aging and neurodegenerative diseases is expected. The Appointee will be supervised directly by PI and will be communicating and interacting with the team of investigators and scientists at the CNPRC and our extended team of investigators at other institutions. A high degree of self-reliance is required.

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