Apply Now: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07281/apply
View this position online: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07281

POSITION OVERVIEW

Salary Range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $76,700– $89,000.

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open Date: September 8, 2025
Next Review Date: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 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 Dixon Lab, within the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for one full- time Assistant Project Scientist. The successful candidate will conduct research in the specialty field or subject area of Cardiovascular Physiology.

NATURE AND PURPOSE:

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 Cardiovascular Physiology. 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 Rose Dixon and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. RESEARCH (95 % EFFORT)
Research activity (75 %)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to cardiovascular ion channel physiology and aging, and associated methods and applications. . The successful candidate will work with 1) isolation of freshly dissociated ventricular myocytes, 2) patch clamp electrophysiology in cardiomyocytes, 3) super-resolution imaging and proximity ligation assay for evaluation of nanomolecular complexes, 4) dynamic TIRF imaging and analysis and 5) echocardiography.

The Project Scientist will be a member of an interdisciplinary team consisting of physiologists, cell biologists, and biophysicists. They will be expected to interact with all members of the group and collaborating laboratories and to engage in scholarly discussions with colleagues on new ideas and concepts.

This position's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, independently planning and executing experiments focused on ion channel and cardiac protein trafficking and function, spatiotemporal properties, calcium signaling, formation of nanomolecular complexes, and the effects of aging and various treatments on cardiac function. The selected candidate will also be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data for scientific publications and assisting with student training.

Publication (10 %)
The appointee will publish research in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (10 %)
The appointee will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The appointee will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5 % EFFORT)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to their specific field of cardiovascular physiology, and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals, and scientific publications as appropriate.

The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

For the full position description and to apply, visit: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07281.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)

  • Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics or related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral research experience, with no more than 7 years of post-terminal degree research experience.
  • Experience in isolation of adult mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes, whole cell and single channel patch clamp electrophysiology, super-resolution imaging, immunocytochemistry, echocardiography, western blot, cell culture and transient transfection of mammalian cell lines, genotyping, animal handling and colony management.
  • Evidence of academic accomplishment such as referred journal papers and conference presentations.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document Requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. with a complete list of publications
  • Cover Letter - Summarize your interest in the position, your relevant background, and how your experience aligns with the goals of the laboratory and department.
  • Statement of Research - Outline your research experience, methodologies, and accomplishments that demonstrate your potential as an independent researcher. Include ongoing work and future plans, emphasizing technical expertise, scholarly contributions, and original, creative impact on research projects.
  • 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 theform.

Reference Requirements

  • 3 required (contact information only)
    • References should be from an academic or research institution with standards comparable to the University of California.
    • References should hold a rank equal to or higher than the one being sought.
    • Include the following information for your professional references:
      □ Name
      □ Title
      □ Company or Organization
      □ Email Address
      □ Phone Number

References may be asked to provide letters or may be contacted by phone or email, using a consistent set of questions for each candidate.

Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07281
Help contact: jstillwell@health.ucdavis.edu

Postdoctoral Researcher Position Available in Vascular Biology
University of California Davis, School of Medicine

Daniah Beleford's lab, within the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology (Faculty Bio) and the Department of Pediatrics (Faculty Bio) at the University of California Davis, is recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to participate in both basic and translational vascular biology research. 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.

The Beleford Lab studies underlying changes in molecular signaling that cause vascular malformations (abnormal development of arteries, veins, lymphatics) in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia and other genetic vascular conditions. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare Mendelian vascular condition that is characterized by arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), direct connections between arteries and veins without intervening capillary beds. It has previously been shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms within the genetic modifier PTPN14 (protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor, 14) associate with pulmonary AVMs in two large HHT cohorts. Our preliminary data suggest that the PTPN14 gene product binds and stabilizes BMP9 signaling components in endothelial cells. The Beleford Lab seeks to clarify the molecular interactions between PTPN14 and BMP9, TGFβ, and HIPPO signaling pathway components with the goal of understanding what causes the loss of vascular integrity in HHT and other severe vascular conditions. Our goal is to tailor targeted therapeutic interventions. Competitive applicants will be skilled in basic molecular and cell biology laboratory techniques as well as in mouse handling, crosses, and care. Basic skills in bioinformatics and computational protein modeling are helpful but not required. The lab uses techniques such as DNA and protein electrophoresis, PCR, immunohisto- and cytochemistry, co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay.

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. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision is crucial.

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. and/or M.D., D.O., or M.B.B.S degree and have a demonstrated background in basic molecular and cell biology techniques as above. Additional training in vascular biology, bioinformatics and computational biology is helpful.

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 the position is eligible for H-1B sponsorship, the hiring timeline does not allow for H-1B sponsorship for the initial appointment.

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 – $77,030. "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: Qualified candidates should email the following items to Daniah Beleford at dbeleford@health.ucdavis.edu

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