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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Islet Biology Laboratory

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Position description

The University of California Davis is one of the premier centers for scientific excellence in the nation and is consistently ranked as one of the very best public universities worldwide. Faculty at UC Davis are engaged in cutting edge research across a wide range of disciplines in the Life Sciences, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Within the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior (NPB), faculty are engaged in internationally renowned research into in the areas of metabolism, exercise and neuroscience. Our mission is to increase our understanding of basic physiology and to build on this knowledge to find cures to conditions that affect people.

The Department of NPB is currently seeking highly motivated individuals for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in the Islet Biology Laboratory headed by Dr. Mark O. Huising in the area of islet cell maturation and paracrine crosstalk within the islet (see www.huisinglab.com for details). Possible projects revolve around 1) the contribution of pancreatic delta cells to the control of glucagon and insulin secretion from healthy pancreatic islets and during conditions of diabetes and 2) the processes that determine the fate and function of beta cells in health and disease. To this end, you will observe islet cell behavior over time using confocal microscopy and follow up your observations by mechanistic studies in state-of-the-art mouse models and approaches such as continuous glucose monitoring. This work requires the isolation of islets from mice and/or rats and the procurement of human islets from approved repositories, followed by their culture in vitro prior to the measure hormone secretion or calcium responses. It is expected that a significant amount of effort can be expended towards the continued development of tools and techniques the increase the quality and rate of data collection from intact islets. Extensive experience and expertise in islet biology and primary cell culture are required, experience with peptide hormone signaling, small rodent models and confocal microscopy will be viewed favorably. You are expected to contribute to and enhance our highly collaborative research environment.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate motivation, independence, inquisitiveness, and a strong work ethic. Teamwork and collaboration will be critical for success in this position. Excellent verbal and written English communication skills are essential. Remuneration commensurate with experience in accordance with NIH guidelines for postdoctoral research associates. Your primary worksite location is 180 Briggs Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA.

Qualifications:
• Must have a PhD in Biology, Physiology and be < 5 years from receipt of PhD.
• Experience in the field of diabetes and/or pancreatic islet biology expected.
• Proficiency with routine molecular and histological techniques is expected.
• Prior knowledge and experience in the isolation and culture of mouse islets would be helpful
• Proficiency handling rodents, maintaining transgenic mouse colonies and conducting routine experiments such as glucose tolerance tests and minor surgical procedures on mice would be viewed favorably.
• Experience with confocal microscopy of live or fixed specimens will be viewed favorably.

APPLICATION / HOW TO APPLY (2 WAYS TO APPLY)

Option 1: To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF03380. Applicants should submit the following:

Application materials: (a) a cover letter detailing the scientific skills outlined above, understanding of our science, alignment of your career goals and position, (b) a curriculum vitae with publications record, and (c) contact information for three references.

Option 2: Submit the above listed application materials as a single PDF to Prof. Huising (mhuising@ucdavis.edu).

To receive full consideration for the position, candidates must apply by February 29, 2020.

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 CV with publications record

  • Cover Letter - Cover letter detailing the scientific skills outlined above, understanding of our science, alignment of your career goals and position

  • 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)
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