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Jr. Specialist Britt lab 2019 1FTE

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Position description

Junior Specialist Position: Plant molecular geneticist,
AB Britt and NR Sinha labs, Dept. of Plant Biology, UC Davis

NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Junior Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, provide creative input and intellectual independence to develop research ideas, prepare scholarly manuscripts, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.
Overview: The Britt and Sinha Labs conduct research in novel genome editing technologies for plants. The junior specialist will assist the Principal Investigator and more senior Specialists, Researchers, and Scientists in a collaborative research effort that includes methodologies for regeneration of plants and for the delivery of CRISPR and related technologies to plants. Primary duties will involve sample collection, preparation of DNA and analysis of genotype PCR, construction of plasmid vectors, propagation of plants, crossing, phenotyping of plants, observation and analysis of growth patterns and tissue types. Additional duties will involve media preparation and microbial culture, data processing and analysis. The incumbent will have opportunities to develop presentation abilities in laboratory meetings and the department retreats and other on-campus events. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate interns.
Research (80%): The incumbent of this position will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties:
• Sample collection, preparation of DNA and analysis of genotypes.
• Assist in microbial culture, including media preparation, subculture, and plasmid verification (e.g. PCR and other molecular techniques).
• Assist in the design and construction of gene editing vectors
• Assist in the analysis of plant morphology before and after regeneration
• Assist in data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and contribution to resulting reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist in manuscript preparation, including but not limited to: reading scholarly literature, writing methods and results sections, and revising manuscripts based on work conducted in the laboratory.
• Assist the PIs in development of grant proposals based on preliminary data collected in previous studies conducted by the incumbent, including development of project objectives, experimental methods and project background information.
Professional competence (15%):
• The incumbent will present research findings in oral at lab and inter-lab meetings, and with visiting scientists. There may be opportunities for oral or poster presentations at larger meetings.
• The incumbent will be encouraged to read appropriate literature and discuss during laboratory meetings.
• Participation in outreach activities will be encouraged.
• As a full time lab member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training, and general laboratory maintenance.
University and Public Service (5%)
The incumbent is encouraged to participate in clubs and committees that promote the research, teaching, and outreach goals of this University.

QUALIFICATIONS
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in Genetics, Plant Biology, or a related discipline.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience in PCR, gel electrophoresis of DNA, analysis of sequence data via Snapgene or a similar program, plasmid construction and analysis, mendelian genetics, and familiarity basic plant physiology and anatomy.
• Training for the techniques/background above will be provided, but familiarity and experience with techniques would be helpful.
• Experience with tomato and Arabidopsis is welcome.

To apply: Qualified applicants should submit all materials via the web-based online submission system (https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF03184). Required materials include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, 3 references, and a statement of contributions to Diversity. The deadline for full consideration is November 4, 2019
Please direct questions to Dr. Anne Britt, abbritt@ucdavis.edu

  • 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

  • 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.

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA