Project Scientist (Al-Bassam Lab 2026)

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Davis is seeking an Assistant Project Scientist in the structural biology of microtubule-based motors and regulatory proteins. The role emphasizes developing research plans, conducting experiments, cryo-EM sample preparation, data analysis, and manuscript preparation in a collaborative lab.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. with substantial postdoctoral experience and a track record in structural biology.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics or structural biology with ≥5 years postdoctoral training.
• Strong record of first-author publications in biophysics/structural biology.
• Experience in molecular biology, protein purification, reconstitution and cryo-EM sample prep.
• Familiarity with single-particle cryo-EM data collection and interpretation.
• Ability to mentor students and work collaboratively in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Join an existing program focused on microtubule-based motors and regulatory assemblies.
• Develop research plans and drive experimental efforts and analyses.
• Coordinate collaborations and expand expertise to complete projects.
• Prepare figures and manuscripts; contribute to publications as needed.
• Assist in grant-related writing and present results at seminars.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and train lab members.

Skills

Cryo-EM

Relion

Cryosparc

Protein purification

Molecular biology

Single-particle analysis

Education

Ph.D. in biochemistry/biophysics/structural biology

Tools

Relion

Cryosparc

Job 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 ([e-mail]).

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.