Assistant Project Scientist, Santana Lab
Lead cardiovascular physiology research focusing on cellular metabolism and cardiac pacemaking at UC Davis.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers in physiology or biophysics with expertise in fluorescence imaging and computational data analysis.
Overview
The Santana Lab within the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at the University of California, Davis is seeking a full-time Assistant Project Scientist to investigate cardiovascular physiology and biophysics. The successful candidate will examine how cellular metabolism and membrane excitability regulate the rate and regularity of cardiac pacemaking using advanced imaging and computational techniques. Responsibilities include leading research projects, managing lab safety protocols, assisting with grant proposals, and mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Candidates must work independently under academic guidance while fostering a collaborative environment in the laboratory.
What you'll do
- Lead research projects examining how cytosolic and mitochondrial ATP fluctuations and membrane voltage control heartbeat rate and regularity.
- Perform two-photon linescan imaging of ex vivo sinoatrial node preparations using genetically encoded voltage and ATP sensors delivered via AAV.
- Develop and maintain the laboratory's image- and signal-analysis software and construct computational models of cellular excitability.
- Train graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in advanced imaging, signal analysis, and experimental methods.
- Maintain laboratory safety protocols, manage project budgets, and write progress reports for funding agencies.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals independently or in collaboration with team members.
- Assist in preparing grant proposals, budget modifications, and reports for federal and state funding organizations.
- Participate in professional conferences, serve as a reviewer for scientific publications, and present research results.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD or equivalent degree in physiology, biophysics, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or a related field
Language: English
Instruction: English
Publications: First-author referred journal papers and conference presentations
- Minimum 3 or more years of postdoctoral research experience or equivalent in physiology, biophysics, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or a related field
- Demonstrated research experience in cardiac or cardiovascular physiology
- Hands-on experience with fluorescence imaging of live excitable cells or tissues
- Evidence of academic accomplishment including first-author peer-reviewed journal papers and conference presentations
- Proficiency in quantitative analysis of imaging or electrophysiological data using Python or MATLAB
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
- Must pass an E-Verify check if required by federal contracts or sub-contracts
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30 (America/Los_Angeles) · open until filled
Applicants must submit all required application documents through the online UC Recruit portal by the initial review date for full consideration. The application package must include an updated CV, cover letter, research statement, and a completed and signed Authorization to Release Information form. Additionally, candidates must provide contact information for three to five references.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research statement
- Authorization to Release Information Form
- 3-5 reference contacts
Contact
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