Career Opportunities | Cell Biology and Human Anatomy | UC Davis School of Medicine

Position Overview

Salary Range: A reasonable estimate for this position will be $63,500-$114,200 for full time (non-exempt $30.42/hr-54.70/hr for part-time).

Application Window

Open Date: March 16, 2026

Next Review Date: Friday, April 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final Date: Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (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 Campana lab within the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire one full-time or part-time employee as an Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist in the Campana lab. The incumbent will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in peripheral neuropathy, neuroimmune interactions, Schwann cell biology and extracellular vesicle communication.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Professor Wendy Campana and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

Major Responsibilities and Designated Areas of Expertise

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

The Specialist will collaborate with other research personnel in the Campana laboratory on research activities involving peripheral neuropathy, neuroimmune interactions, Schwann cell biology and extracellular vesicle communication. Specific duties include:

Core Technical Responsibilities:

1) Protein Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

• Perform protein isolation, purification, and characterization
• Conduct ligand-receptor interaction studies and contact-dependent cell signaling experiments
• Execute immunoblotting and protein expression analysis
• Utilize protein databases (e.g., AlphaFold) for structural analysis
• Develop novel peptide mimetics and/or nanosomes

2) Cell Biology and Microscopy

• Perform flow cytometry and nanosorting procedures
• Conduct immunofluorescence staining and analysis
• Operate confocal microscopy systems for high-resolution imaging
• Execute live cell imaging experiments
• Study glia: Immune cell interactions in vitro

3) Transcriptome and Molecular Analysis

• Perform RNA isolation, quantification and quality assessment
• Conduct gene editing procedures and qPCR analysis
• Support single-cell RNA sequencing projects
• Analyze transcriptome profiling data in collaboration with bioinformatics specialists
• Process and interpret gene and protein expression patterns

4) Systems Neurobiology and In Vivo Models

• Work with transgenic mouse models of peripheral neuropathy
• Perform tissue collection, processing, and analysis
• Conduct histological and immunohistochemical analyses
• Analyze mechanisms contributing to neuropathology
• Support studies of nerve injury and stress responses

5) Laboratory Management and Coordination

• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper calibration
• Manage inventory of reagents and supplies
• Obtain and maintain appropriate laboratory safety protocols
• Train laboratory personnel on specialized techniques within area of expertise
• Troubleshoot technical problems and optimize experimental protocols
• Serve as research coordinator for projects conducted by PIs in the laboratory

6) Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic records
• Prepare data summaries and visualizations for laboratory meetings
• Ensure uninterrupted communication between research team members
• Prepare technical reports tailored to meet the needs of investigators
• Contribute to manuscript preparation with acknowledgment of contributions

7) Contributions to Publishable Research

• Make technical or specialized contributions to research sufficient to receive formal acknowledgement in publications
• Potential for authorship on publications based on significant intellectual contributions
• Active dissemination of information through presentations at laboratory meetings.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

• Actively participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups (e.g., Society for Neuroscience, American Society for Cell Biology)
• Attend relevant seminars, workshops and conferences to maintain technical competence
• Review research proposals, journal manuscripts and publications related to area of expertise (at Associate/Full ranks)
• Present research findings at regional/national meetings (at Associate/Full ranks)
• Engage in continuing education to maintain and upgrade competency in specialized research methods
• Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in neuroscience and molecular biology
• Participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings
• Engage in outreach activities related to area of expertise as resources permit.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

• Participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings
• Contribute to departmental activities and seminars as appropriate
• Participate in committees within the department, school or campus (at higher ranks)
• Engage in outreach activities related to area of expertise as resources permit.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)

• Assistant Specialist candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree plus three or more years of research experience, or Master’s degree in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field
• Associate Specialist candidates must have 6-10 years of experience in the specialized field; Master’s degree in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field plus 2-5 years of experience in specialization; or Ph.D. in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field
• Full Specialist candidate must have 10+ years of experience in the specialized field; Terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent plus additional research experience; or Master's degree plus 6+ years of experience in research specialization
• Minimum 4 years of training and/or experience in field/specialty.

Additional Qualifications (required at time of start)

For the following areas, the Assistant Specialist must demonstrate proficiency in at least three of the four areas. The Associate Specialist must demonstrate advanced proficiency in at least three of the four areas, plus ability to train others and troubleshoot complex protocols. The Full Specialist must demonstrate expert-level proficiency in all four areas, plus demonstrated ability to develop new approaches/techniques and record of training and mentoring laboratory personnel:

• Protein Biochemistry: Protein isolation/purification, immunoblotting, ligand-receptor interactions, cell signaling, protein databases (AlphaFold), peptide mimetics/nanosomes
• Cell Biology and Microscopy: Flow cytometry, nanosorting, immunofluorescence, confocal/live cell imaging, glia: immune cell interactions
• Transcriptome and Molecular Analysis: RNA isolation, gene editing, qPCR, single-cell RNA sequencing, transcriptome profiling, gene/protein expression
• Systems Neurobiology: Transgenic mouse models, tissue processing, histology, immunohistochemistry, nerve injury/neuropathology studies.

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

• Research experience in neurobiology, peripheral neuropathy, or glia neuron: Immune interactions
• Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, ligand-receptor studies or nanoparticle tracking
• Active research laboratory experience with postdocs, graduate students and technicians
• Advanced microscopy and image analysis proficiency
• Proteomics and computational/bioinformatics analysis experience
• Extracellular vesicle or Schwann cell biology research background
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Independent and collaborative teamwork abilities
• Scientific writing and manuscript preparation proficiency.

Application Requirements

Document Requirements

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

Reference Requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply Link

Help Contact: nscudiero@health.ucdavis.edu

POSITION OVERVIEW

Salary Range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $76,700– $124,700 for full-time (non-exempt $36.74/hr-59.73/hr for part-time)

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open Date: April 30, 2026

Next Review Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (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 Campana Lab, within the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for an Assistant, Associate or Full Project Scientist rank depending on experience (50-100% appointment effort). The successful candidate will conduct research in the area of basic neuroscience, neurobiology and systems neuroscience.

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in their 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 in the neuroscience field. Appointees with Project Scientist series 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, etc.), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The Project Scientist will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal 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 Professor Campana and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1) RESEARCH in Specialized Areas (90% Effort)

Research Activity (60%)

• Design, initiate and refine experimental approaches to study painful peripheral neuropathy
• In collaboration with the PI, the candidate will develop research plans and carry out many of the experiments and analyses
• Plan transgenic mouse model systems to investigate Schwann cell: Immune interactions related to neuropathic pain (oral cancer pain, chemotherapy induced neuropathy and sciatica)
• Apply advanced techniques (ZetaView, Oni, Exodus, NTA) to investigate extracellular vesicles in peripheral nerve communication
• Perform experiments to define the role of Schwann cell derived extracellular vesicles in heath and disease
• Prepare reagents via protein expression and purification of proteins for in vitro and in vivo studies
• Perform discovery-based approaches in transcriptomics and proteomics to identify novel contributors to the development of pain related outcome. Compare existing national data bases with planned experiments to optimize datasets and utilize appropriate statistical and computational analyses of single cell RNA sequencing data
• Mentor Visiting Scholars (M.D., Ph.D.s) from Japan, postdoctoral trainees and graduate students. This includes methods development of projects, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow up experiments
• Coordinate collaborative research efforts across multidisciplinary projects and external partners

Other research activities may include:

• Obtaining and maintaining appropriate laboratory and safety protocols
• Managing animal protocols
• Reviewing grants and manuscripts

Publications (20%)

• Summarize and analyze research findings in figures for manuscript submission, conference proceedings and presentations
• Contribute as a lead author or co-author on publications annually
• Provide critical review of manuscripts ad proposal from other lab members

Grant Acquisition (10%)

• Assist the PI in writing proposals by drafting sections related to Aims, Methods and Preliminary Data
• Assisting the PI with developing new projects that form the foundation of new grant application submissions. Specifically, those that are outlined by NIH RFAs

2) PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% Effort)

• Contribute expertise to professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field of neuroscience
• Participate in departmental research initiatives such as retreats and seminars

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Cell Biology or related field
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in field/specialty post terminal degree. Post terminal degree research experience should not exceed 8 years
• Research experience in neurobiology, glia: neuron: immune interactions, nanoparticles, painful peripheral neuropathy and/or spinal cord injury is preferred but experience in other neuroscience or cancer systems is welcomed
• Evidence of academic accomplishment, such as multiple first authored papers and conference presentations
• The candidate is expected to have systems biology experience that utilize transgenic mouse models (CreLox, knockout, Crispr/Cas) and can further analyzing tissues for cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to neuropathology
• The candidate should have excellent writing skills and interest in contributing/writing grant applications
• Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry: Experience with cloning, protein expression and purification, ligand-receptor interactions, cell signaling, immunoblotting, ELISA, experience with isolating and analyzing extracellular vesicles
• Cell Biology: Nanoparticle tracking, siRNA technology, immunofluorescence and experience with confocal microscopy, live cell imaging and cell migration/adhesion studies in primary cell cultures (sensory neurons and glial cells preferred)
• Transcriptome and Proteomic Analysis and Computational Approaches: Experience with RNA isolation, gene editing and qPCR. Leverage expertise in transcriptome and proteomic analysis to decode gene and protein expression patterns across various mouse and human diseases, essential for biomarker identification and understanding disease pathways. Experience preparing samples for single cell RNA Sequencing and using R/pathway analyses.
• Systems Neurobiology and Disease: Implementing multifaceted approaches to explore molecular and cellular responses to nerve injury or stress that relate to painful peripheral neuropathies, revealing new targets for drug discovery, and identifying novel biomarkers (example: extracellular vesicles).

At least 3 of the 4 qualifications above are required.

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

• Experience working in an active lab with visiting scholars, post docs, graduate students and technicians

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document Requirements

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

Reference Requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply Link

Help Contact: nscudiero@health.ucdavis.edu

The Campana lab in the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at the University of California Davis is recruiting for 2 postdoctoral scholars to join our painful peripheral neuropathy research program that aims to identify cellular mechanisms governing extracellular vesicle and mitochondria function in peripheral nerves. Successful candidates will enjoy a supportive, diverse, and stimulating laboratory and departmental environment, filled with lots of collaboration, cutting-edge instrumentation and facilities, and a strong culture of training and mentorship.

We aim to uncover the mechanisms in non-neuronal cells, specifically Schwann cells, that regulate the development and maintenance of chronic pain. We discover molecular mediators that may function as alternatives to opioid treatment and can act as neuropathic pain modulators. Please see my previous lab website at UC San Diego for more information.

Approaches employed include isolation and single nanoparticle analysis of tissue and culture derived nanoparticles, live cell imaging of fluorescently labeled Schwann cells and extracellular vesicles, bioenergetic analyses using Seahorse, human organoid cultures, single cell RNA Seq, proteomic analyses and automated measurement of pain-related behaviors in mice.

Funding is available but fellows will be encouraged to apply for fellowships and mentored through the process. The Campana Lab is located at Aggie Square at the UC Davis Medical School and at the UC Davis campus in Tupper Hall. The UC Davis Neuroscience community is a vibrant and stimulating group comprised of labs from 1bioengineering, Veterinarian Science and Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior departments, and includes labs from the nearby Center for Mind and Brain Institute. We work in a highly interactive research environment that embraces diversity and work-life balance in addition to scientific excellence and rigor. These positions will offer opportunities to write grants, train students and present findings at professional conferences.

Successful applicants will be expected to stay abreast of current literature in the field, design and execute experiments, assist in the collection of data for grant applications, and to prepare their results for presentation at national and international scientific conferences and for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Work/life Balance: UC Davis is a supportive, diverse, and collaborative community, ideally situated in the sunny Sacramento Valley between beautiful Lake Tahoe for winter skiing and summer beaches, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and should have a demonstrated background in Neurosciences or neurobiology. The candidate is expected to have strong skills in cellular and molecular biology. Experience in extracellular vesicle and/or pain research would be advantageous.

Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States by the start date. J-1 visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates. Individuals currently authorized under F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT) are also encouraged to apply. While this position is eligible for H1B sponsorship, we cannot initiate a new H1-B petition for an initial appointment, including petitions for individuals who are currently outside the United States.

Salary:
The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table 23: Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct, Fiscal Year. The salary range for this position is $69,073 – 85,000. “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.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should email the following items to Wendy M Campana at wcampana1@health.ucdavis.edu. Applications received in Handshake will not be considered.

• CV/Biosketch
• Cover letter expressing your interest in the position
• Minimum of 3 professional references (Name and Email Address)