Assistant Project Scientist University of California - Davis United States, California, Sacramento Aug 17, 2026 Position overview Salary range: The salary range for this position is $79,400-$101,100.

Application Window Open date:

August 17, 2026 Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:

Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 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 Department of Radiology at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for one full-time Project Scientist at the Assistant rank. The Assistant 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 Assistant 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 Assistant Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES I. RESEARCH

(85% Effort) A. The incumbent will contribute to research in quantitative medical imaging within the Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, UC Davis, under the direction of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Guobao Wang. B. Research activities will focus on quantitative dynamic PET imaging, tracer kinetic modeling, mathematical optimization, and scientific computing, with applications in liver disease and other clinical research areas. C. The appointee will develop, implement, and evaluate advanced mathematical and computational methods for total-body dynamic PET imaging, including but not limited to: Three-tissue compartment modeling and related kinetic frameworks Image-derived blood input function estimation methods Computational and optimization-based approaches for parameter estimation in PET data analysis Inverse problem methodologies applied to medical imaging reconstruction and quantification D. The incumbent will analyze dynamic PET datasets and perform computational modeling to support quantitative image analysis and interpretation. E. The appointee will contribute to the design, execution, and refinement of research methodologies involving advanced mathematical modeling and scientific computing for medical imaging applications. F. The incumbent will participate in collaborative research activities with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and clinical research collaborators, ensuring effective coordination and communication across projects. Docusign G. The appointee will contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, including data analysis, figure generation, methodological development, and written sections of scientific publications, with opportunities for co-authorship and lead authorship as appropriate. H. The incumbent will present research findings at internal meetings, as well as at national and international scientific conferences. I. The appointee will support research dissemination and may assist in the preparation of grant proposals, progress reports, and other scholarly research documentation under PI guidance.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY

(10% Effort) A. The incumbent will remain actively engaged in the scientific community in areas related to inverse problems, computational mathematics, and medical imaging. B. The appointee will participate in scientific conferences, workshops, seminars, and professional meetings relevant to quantitative imaging and mathematical modeling. C. The incumbent will serve as a reviewer for peer-reviewed scientific journals in areas related to computational mathematics, inverse problems, and medical imaging, as appropriately. D. The appointee will maintain awareness of emerging developments in quantitative PET imaging, tracer kinetic modeling, and computational methods to support ongoing research innovation.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE

(5% Effort) A. The incumbent may participate in departmental, school, or campus committees related to research, education, or academic programs, as assigned. B. The appointee will contribute to collaborative initiatives within the Department of Radiology and affiliated research programs to support scientific advancement and research infrastructure. C. The incumbent may serve as a liaison with external academic collaborators, research institutions, and scientific organizations to support collaborative research efforts. D. The appointee may participate in outreach activities, seminars, or educational presentations related to quantitative medical imaging and computational modeling. Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in quantitative medical imaging, computational mathematics, scientific computing, or a related field.
• Experience with dynamic PET imaging and tracer kinetic modeling.
• Experience developing and implementing mathematical models, computational methods, or optimization algorithms for scientific research.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting complex imaging or quantitative research data.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly achievement through peer-reviewed publications and/or presentations at scientific conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research while working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
• Experience with total-body dynamic PET imaging.
• Experience in understanding organ physiology (e.g., in liver, spleen and brain)
• Experience with three-tissue compartment modeling and related tracer kinetic modeling frameworks.
• Experience with image-derived blood input function estimation.
• Experience applying inverse problem methodologies to medical imaging reconstruction and quantification.
• Experience developing computational methods for quantitative PET image analysis.
• Experience with scientific programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, C++, or similar.
• Experience contributing to grant proposals and mentoring junior researchers or trainees.

Application Requirements Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter 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: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07791 Help contact: amgranados@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

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as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. 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. The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400. 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. The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come. The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis Employee benefits webpages have additional information. 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 Sacramento, CA