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Jr. Specialist II - Nephrology

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Position description

The Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist position.

The Junior Specialist appointee will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in kidney disease and metabolism. These studies will involve the coordination of services and data from multiple disciplines within the health system, including but not limited to physiology, biochemistry, radiology, exercise science, and clinical research.

The Junior Specialist will specifically participate in two projects along with another Junior Specialist under the supervision of two collaborating PIs:

RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)

  1. The incumbent will be trained on bench to bedside translational research methods in a clinical trial of exercise for the treatment of kidney disease associated with physical impairment (Dr. Roshanravan – Nephrology). In this project we will be investigating the impact of combined aerobic and resistance exercise to improve in-vivo measures of muscle mitochondrial metabolism using 31Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (31P MRS), ex-vivo muscle mitochondrial metabolism from permeabilized muscle fibers using high-resolution respirometry (O2k) and immunometabolism using high-throughput respirometry (Seahorse) and testing the association of these markers with muscle and physical performance. The incumbent will be trained by an associate project scientist on how to process laboratory specimens, perform analyses, and catalogue specimens. They will also be taught on how to perform human 31P MRS at the Imaging Research Center by a trained MR scientist, record physical activity by digital accelerometer, and how to use and analyze data from continuous glucose monitors. The incumbent will also work with research coordinators to coordinate clinical research studies, recruit patients, and collect and record data for the clinical trial. They will be expected to formulate research question that can be answered by the results from these experiments and participate in the analysis of data with a trained biostatistician while assisting in the writing of the manuscript(s).

  2. Using proteomics to understand the pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease (Dr Afkarian, Nephrology)- In this project, urine abundance of proteins from several targeted pathways are determined using various proteomics technologies (collaboration with colleagues performing mass spectrometry and aptamer-based quantification). Then epidemiologic and biostatistical methods are used to determine the association of these proteins with kidney disease progression and death in cohorts of people with diabetic kidney disease. For this project, the candidate will work with a lab assistant experienced in human sample collection and processing, collaborators performing mass spectrometry and aptamer-based quantification and biostatisticians from the Bioinformatics Core working on this project with Dr. Afkarian. The candidate will participate in processing samples, analyzing data and writing manuscript.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

The position of Junior Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area of research in the field of nephrology clinical research and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment, or with research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. Junior Specialists are required to be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities, including reviewing journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results. Junior Specialists are also expected to participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations as well as review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications as applicable related to their research area of expertise.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
The Junior Specialist will mentor undergraduate students from UC Davis. The incumbent will actively contribute to lab activities through staff meetings and presentation to colleagues and researchers from various scientific communities.

The ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to quickly gain knowledge and understanding to efficiently and effectively learn and perform the following tasks:

• Manage complex medical and clinical data and accurately enter them into Case Report Forms and/or databases.
• Efficiently and effectively operate laboratory equipment and prepare laboratory samples, including hazardous biological specimens (e.g. blood and urine).
• Follow broadly defined instructions and complete experimental procedures in accordance with relevant protocols.
• After adequate training, perform new technical laboratory procedures with minimal or no supervision.
• Follow institutional safety guidelines when processing human specimens, using biological safety cabinets, and using protective clothing (latex gloves, laboratory coat, face mask, eye protection), and follow specific detailed instruction on the safe handling of biohazardous material.
• Develop an understanding of disease processes and therapies pertaining to specific research projects (e.g. diabetic kidney disease, measurement of kidney function, immunometabolism, muscle metabolism, and exercise science).
• Prepare regulatory documentation for Institutional Review Boards.
• Perform all work in adherence to study protocols.
• Follow the regulatory requirements of the F.D.A., N.I.H., Institutional Review Board, Office of Human Research Protection, UCD research policy and procedures, and appropriate regulatory agencies.
• Assist with clinical trial subject recruitment and tracking.
• Plan and conduct biological sample collections from different sources, and prepare such samples for shipment as appropriate per IATA/DOT regulations.
• Organize and prioritize the workload requirements.
• Keep clear and accurate records and provide timely reports, and work on several projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safety requirements and regulations pertaining to the research, teaching and administrative functions of the department.
• Aid in monitoring compliance with federal regulations governing research.
• Communicate effectively with the general public, physicians, patients, and other healthcare professionals on matters pertaining to the research at hand.

Basic Qualifications:

•Bachelor degree in biological sciences or a related field that included laboratory course experience.
•Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with knowledge of the correct use of medical terminology.
•Use of Experience with computing equipment including Macintosh and PC operating systems; Word, Excel, Epic, and statistical analysis programs, among others.

Salary:
Step II - $42,100, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Number of Positions Available: 1

TERM OF APPOINTMENT:
1-year maximum Non-Exempt appointment, seasonal appointment based on the needs of the research project. Appointments may be made up to 100%.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by the "next review date" found on the application link below. However, this position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2019.

Please go to https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF02765 to submit your Cover Letter, CV or resume, and contact information for at least three references.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Marie “Connie” Peters at mcpeters@ucdavis.edu.

UC Davis commits to inclusion excellence by advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

UC Davis is a smoke & tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
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Job location

Sacramento, CA