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Center for Neuroscience Wet Lab Jr Specialist 2018-2019

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Position description

CNS Wet Lab Junior Specialist
UC Davis Junior Specialist Recruitment
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For full consideration, apply by 15 days after posting

DESCRIPTION –
The UC Davis McAllister Lab works to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synapse formation and elimination in the brain during development and in disease. We also study mouse models of autism and schizophrenia, with a focus on the role of immune molecules in the brain in these disorders. We are seeking a bright, motivated, organized, and resourceful individual to join our research team at the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience. Responsibilities will focus on research (e.g., Experimental Design, Data Collection, and Analysis; 80% time), and lab administration in collaboration with the lab manager (e.g. maintaining lab records, maintaining and purchasing lab supplies, making general lab solutions, and general lab organization, 20% time). Previous junior specialists from our lab have continued on to top neuroscience PhD programs.

SKILL REQUIREMENT –

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience or molecular biology or a related field.
• Skills and experience in molecular biology and/or biochemistry
• Strong self-motivation
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and execute primary support responsibilities
• Commitment to scientific research responsibilities and objectives
• General laboratory techniques
• Effective interpersonal communication skills to maintain an effective, positive and cooperative relationship with staff, students, faculty, co-workers, public and outside contractors

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Knowledge of, or experience working with culture techniques and previous lab experience (with references) preferred, though not required

RESEARCH – 90%
The incumbent will work closely with colleagues to benefit all experiments conducted in the laboratory and will present findings regularly at lab meetings. The incumbent will learn and regularly participate in the preparation and transfection of cultured cells, generation of viral constructs, plasmid preps and basic molecular biology, genotyping, subcloning, and experiments involving immunocytochemistry and biochemistry. The incumbent will also train and mentor undergraduate volunteers.
The incumbent will have the opportunity to creatively contribute to the research projects by proposing alternative experimental design and analysis strategies, generating novel projects with existing data, and reviewing literature for manuscript preparation. The incumbent will 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 with PI and others in the lab.
The incumbent will spend a marginal amount of time assisting the current lab manager with administrative tasks, including maintaining lab records, maintaining and purchasing lab supplies, making general lab solutions, and general lab organization.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE 5% -
The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work independently, and as part of a team. The incumbent may have the opportunity to submit data for presentation at relevant conferences, such as Society for Neuroscience (if funding is available).
● Actively participate in weekly lab meetings, journal club presentations, presentations from outside speakers, and weekly workshops to help incumbents develop their career goals.
● Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and/or review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

UNIVERSITY SERVICE 5% -
The incumbent will mentor undergraduate student assistants in the lab.
Service
● Provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants

TERM OF APPOINTMENT - One year, with an additional year available based on performance and needs of the research project. Appointments may be made up to 100%.

SALARY RANGE - $39,500 - $42,100 [100% annual], commensurate with qualifications and experience.

STEP - Step 1 or Step 2, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

LOCATION- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience, 1544 Newton Court, Davis CA 95618
• To Apply: Qualified applicants should upload a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume, and contact information for # to # references via this URL: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF02813
• The University of California, 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.
• 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. 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 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
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)
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Job location

Davis, CA