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BML JR SPECIALIST

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Position description

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to conduct research on pathogens and disease processes in white abalone. The successful candidate will join the Shellfish Health Laboratory group at UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory, in collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Research: Under the supervision of the laboratory’s faculty and academic research staff, the Junior Specialist will conduct directed research on and assist in the design of one or more of the following projects:

• Developing and optimizing quantitative PCR (qPCR) detection of the agent of abalone
withering syndrome, Xenohaliotis californiensis
• Using qPCR to determine the Xenohaliotis californiensis infection status of captive and wild white abalone populations and presence of the pathogen in environmental samples
• Identifying and describing other white abalone pathogens and symbionts
• Determining the heritability of genetic resistance of white abalone to withering syndrome
• Characterizing changes to the abalone gut microbiome with Xenohaliotis californiensis infection and their relationship to disease expression

The candidate will have a strong background in microbiology or a related field with demonstrated experience in aquatic animal research and knowledge of molecular diagnostic techniques and pathogen characterization. The candidate will have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. Candidate must be able to work effectively as a bridge between two research groups at BML, the Shellfish Health Laboratory and the White Abalone Culture Laboratory. The candidate is expected to contribute to publications and will be included as an author as appropriate.

Professional Competence: The employee will participate in appropriate professional societies (National Shellfisheries Association, American Fisheries Society/Fish Health Section) including presentations at meetings, and review proposals, manuscripts and publications related to shellfish health.

University and Public Service: The employee is expected to be involved in university and public service which include educational activities to the public at the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory and on campus at Picnic Day, as well as presentations to regulatory agency staff as requested. The employee is also expected to be occasionally involved in educational outreach with K-12 groups at the Laboratory.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Bodega Bay, CA