Assistant, Associate, Full Project Scientist - Wan Lab

University of California - Davis; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Davis Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine invites applications for a full time Project Scientist position in Dr. Wan's Lab.

The role requires significant research contributions with expertise in gut microbiota, metabolomics, and animal models of obesity and related diseases. Responsibilities include developing an active research program, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, pursuing grant funding, and presenting findings at seminars.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biotechnology, Experimental Pathology, Microbiology, or related field.
• Postdoctoral training and peer-reviewed publications.
• Gut microbiota research and animal model research focusing on the digestive tract.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an active research program investigating diet-associated metabolic diseases and immunological issues.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist and/or apply for funding from federal/state agencies and other funding organizations.
• Attend seminars and present results; coordinate seminars and educational functions.

Skills

Gut microbiota

Metabolomics

Animal models

Cell culture

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics

Statistics

Education

PhD in Biotechnology, Experimental Pathology, Microbiology, or related field

Job description

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $79,400 - $209,000

Application Window

Open date: October 23, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Nov 8, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Thursday, Dec 31, 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 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine invites applications for a full time Project Scientist position in Dr. Wan's Lab.

NATURE AND PURPOSE The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to research projects in his/her 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. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program, 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 as an exception.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant, associate, or full rank.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH (90%) Research activity (60%) This position requires creative contributions to, and collaborative development of an active research program investigating diet-associated metabolic diseases and associated immunological issues. 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. In some cases, the candidate may supervise students, postdoctoral fellows, other trainees, or research staff on the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments. A successful candidate must have experience and knowledge of gut microbiota, metabolomics, and animal models of obesity, metabolic liver diseases, and digestive cancer. Expertise in cell cultures, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis is essential.

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

Grant Acquisition (15%) The candidate will assist and/or directly apply 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%) The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral or poster presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions.

Number of Positions Available: 1

Term of Appointment: One-year appointment at 100%, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the research project.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• PhD in Biotechnology, Experimental Pathology, Microbiology, or related field
• Postdoctoral training and peer-reviewd publications.
• Gut microbiota research and animal model research focusing on the digestive tract.

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

• Expertise in integrating multi-omics data.
• Experience with the diet-gut-liver axis, as well as other organs such as the skin or brain axis (systemically).
• Worked with liver cancer and colorectal cancer in mice, as well as performed fecal microbiota transplantation.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (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)

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.

• "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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affidative 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. 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.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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

Sacramento, CA