Assistant Project Scientist - Dr. Bliss-Moreau Lab

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California is seeking an Assistant Project Scientist to contribute to a womb-to-tomb affective neuroscience project in rhesus monkeys. The appointee will work across Bliss-Moreau Laboratory funded projects, focusing on behavioral or neuroanatomical methods and will collaborate closely with the PI to advance research aims.

The position emphasizes independent work under supervision, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and potential grant support. Teaching duties are not required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in psychology, biology, behavioral neuroscience, anthropology, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in monkey behavior or neuroanatomy (histology and MRI).
• Strong quantitative and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to an active research program investigating neurobiological bases of affect, cognition, and social behavior in nonhuman primates.
• Design experiments, collect data, train animals, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts in consultation with the PI.
• Assist in grant proposal preparation and reporting to funders.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed outlets in collaboration with the PI and team.
• Engage in professional activities and potential public outreach; teaching is not expected.

Education

Ph.D. in Psychology

Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience

Ph.D. in Biology

Job description

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Assistant Project Scientist (APS) makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The APS will work across Bliss-Moreau Laboratory funded projects and on archival data that are related to womb-to-tomb affective neuroscience in rhesus monkeys. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The lab has both behavioral and neuroscientific foci; candidates should have expertise in either monkey behavior or neuroanatomy (either/both histology and MRI) and a willingness to learn the skill sets complementary to their expertise. Strong quantitative and writing skills are also required. 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 Assistant 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), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. They will carry out research or creative programs under the direction and supervision of Eliza Bliss-Moreau, Ph.D., Associate Director and Core Scientist at the National Biomedical Research Institute and Chancellor’s Leadership Professor in the Department of Psychology. The Assistant Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

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 (90%)

Research activity (60%)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the neurobiological basis of affect, cognition, and social behavior in nonhuman primates across the lifespan. The appointee will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI). The appointee will work across projects in the laboratory, including experimental design, data collection, training of animals, data analysis, and manuscript preparation (based on existing data sets as well as data that the APS collects) and publication in consultation with the PI. The candidate may supervise students or 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 and will engage in project management.

Publication (25%)

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

Grant Acquisition (5%)

The candidate will assist in preparation of grant 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.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

The candidate will participate in meetings of professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field 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 oral or poster presentations to public and professional interest groups.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The candidate may 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 candidate may engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

Ph.D. degree in the field of psychology, biology, behavioral neuroscience, anthropology, or a related discipline.