Assistant Project Scientist in Neuroscience Research Institute (D. Montell Lab)

Position overview

Position title :

Assistant Project Scientist

Salary range :

A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $78,500 - $95,600

Percent time : 100%

Anticipated start :

January 2026 or later.

Position duration :

Initial appointment is or one year, full time with benefits. Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date : August 26, 2025

Most recent review date : Wednesday, Sep 10, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (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 : 59pm (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 laboratory of Dr. Denise Montell in the Neuroscience Research Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a full-time Assistant Project Scientist. The appointee will carry out research related to the role of Rac in phagocytosis and cellular cannibalism in Drosophila and in human melanoma cells. Responsibilities will include training undergraduate and graduate students in Drosophila genetics, ovary dissections, experimental design, data collection and data interpretation as well as carrying out independent research into the mechanisms of Rac-mediated cellular cannibalism in the fly ovary and human melanoma cells. The appointee will be expected to make significant conceptual contributions to the project.

Lab : https : / / denisemontell.mcdb.ucsb.edu /

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

A doctorate degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology or related field is required.

Additional qualifications

(required at time of start)

A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral experience.

Preferred qualifications

A very solid research and publication record. The ideal candidate will have experience in :

• Drosophila genetics
• Drosophila ovary dissection
• Immunostaining
• Melanoma cell culture
• Live & confocal microscopy
• Co-culture assays

Image analysis

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. that includes publication record.

Statement of Research - Research statement that includes career goals.

Reference requirements

Please provide the names and complete contact information for 3 references. References for the finalists may be contacted if necessary, at the committee's discretion, before extending an offer.

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ap.ucsb.edu / JPF03005

Help contact : cushing@lifesci.ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

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.

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

UC Santa Barbara is unable to sponsor employment visas of any kind for this position.

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.

Job location

Santa Barbara