University of California - Davis
Position overview
Salary range: $107,700.00–$134,600.00. Off‑scale salaries, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system‑wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.
Application Window Open date:
September 16, 2025
Most recent review date:
Friday, Oct 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date:
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59 pm (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 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:
To evaluate metabolic individuality in response to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the relationship between an individual's response and disease prevention through utilization of Diversity Outbred (DO) mice.
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).
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, such as 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.
Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Ph.D. in nutrition, biology, or related field
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required)
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 collaborative cross and diversity outbred murine models
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
Application Requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research Accomplishments
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
4–6 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07308
Help contact: eevilleda@ucdavis.edu
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, 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
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. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify
UC Davis is a smoke‑and‑tobacco‑free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).
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.
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 Davis, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Application Window Open date:
September 16, 2025
Most recent review date:
Friday, Oct 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date:
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59 pm (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 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:
To evaluate metabolic individuality in response to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the relationship between an individual's response and disease prevention through utilization of Diversity Outbred (DO) mice.
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).
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, such as 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.
Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Ph.D. in nutrition, biology, or related field
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required)
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 collaborative cross and diversity outbred murine models
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
Application Requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter (Optional)
Statement of Research Accomplishments
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
4–6 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07308
Help contact: eevilleda@ucdavis.edu
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, 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
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. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify
UC Davis is a smoke‑and‑tobacco‑free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).
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.
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 Davis, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr