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Junior Specialist - Griffith Lab

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Position description

The Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire one employee as a Junior Specialist in Dr. Theanne Griffith’s laboratory. This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in sensory neuroscience and somatosensation.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (85% EFFORT)
This position requires interest in investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of transmission of somatosensory information in both health and disease. Our ability to accurately encode our signals from our external environment, such as temperature, touch, and itch, are critical for survival. Furthermore, aberrant sensory signaling is associated with various pathological states and neurodevelopmental disorders. The Junior Specialist is required to work closely with the Principle Investigator (PI), Dr. Theanne Griffith, to develop and set research goals and objectives, respectively.

Experimental procedures performed by the Junior Specialist include transgenic mouse management, genotyping of mice, in situ hybridizations, immunohistochemistry, primary neuronal cultures of sensory neurons for in vitro studies, dissections, mouse behavior, calcium imaging, and electrophysiology. The Junior Specialist with work with the PI on experimental design but will be expected to carry out research projects independently with the expectation that their results will lead to publication.

This position also involves presenting and participating in group meetings, reviewing journal articles, engaging in scholarly discussions of research, critical and creative thinking, and providing mentorship to more junior colleagues. Additionally, the position also requires careful attention to detail, including accurate and reproducible data analysis and faithful documentation of results. The ideal candidate will be motivated, have strong logistical and time-management skills, and be willing to work collaboratively with other team members.

2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)
The Junior Specialist will attend conferences, both regional and national, participate in departmental and other relevant seminar series, journal clubs, and other pertinent activities. The Junior Specialist will be a member of the Society for Neuroscience.

3. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
The candidate will be expected to mentor junior lab members, actively participate in laboratory and group meetings and other activities, as applicable.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology or Neuroscience
• Basic laboratory skills related to cellular and molecular neuroscience (i.e., immunohistochemistry, behavioral analysis, and imaging)
• Quantitative skills required for data analysis
• Excellent science communication skills
• Demonstrated experience serving as a mentor or teaching assistant to undergraduates
• The ability to work well independently and as a team
• Display strong interpersonal and decision-making skills, organizational skills, and accurate record keeping capabilities
• Experience with laboratory safety and willingness to adhere to EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements
• A commitment to follow all laboratory standard operating procedures, proactively identify and address issues and/or troubleshoot with other laboratory personnel when necessary

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Full-Time (100%) appointment, initial appointment is for 12 months. Short term (up to two years), reappointment is pending satisfactory performance, needs of the research project, and sufficient funding.


TO APPLY:
To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF03846. For full considerations applications must be completed by October 29, 2020; however, the position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2021.

Qualified applicants should submit:
• Cover letter specific to this position (Generic cover letters that do not summarize the applicant’s specific qualifications for this position are not acceptable)
• CV
• Research Statement
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Contact information for 3 references

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 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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct. If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

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 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- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) are strictly prohibited on any property owned or leased by UC Davis -- indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter - Generic cover letters that do not summarize the applicant’s specific qualifications for this position are not acceptable

  • Statement of Research

  • • Unofficial Transcripts

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

Davis, CA