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Junior Specialist - Zheng Lab

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Position description

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. Jie Zheng’s laboratory. This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies of ion channels, focusing on cutting-edge questions in sensory physiology and neuroscience.

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

1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)

  • The incumbent in this position will actively contribute to ongoing research programs on ion channels and their roles in physiology and diseases, through both participation in specific research projects and management of general lab operations. Working closely with the PI and members of the lab, the Junior Specialist will help to coordinate smooth and safe lab operations, ensure the overall quality of research, carry out standardized research routines including assisting the PI and lab in study design, collecting and interpreting data, generating reports, and coordinate collaborative research with other labs as needed.
  • The ion channel research in our lab uses multidisciplinary methodologies in electrophysiology, molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, computational modeling, and protein biochemistry. Our research projects constantly evolve, making it necessary to incorporate new methodologies. The Junior Specialist will play an active role in ongoing project, contributing to scientific data collection, analysis and presentation, manuscript preparation.
  • This position also involves interaction with the PI and lab members to manage general research operation, participation in group meetings. This position requires careful attention to detail, including organized and accurate record keeping and documentation. This position requires making efficient use of time and the ability to work as part of a team.

2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
The candidate will be expected to join the Biophysical Society, attend symposia and conferences, participate and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs and other activities, as applicable.

3. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
Candidate will be expected to mentor undergraduates in the lab, participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings and other activities, as applicable.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related biology or chemistry disciplines. Must have bachelor’s degree before start date.
  • Demonstrated research experience in a biomedical laboratory with basic laboratory skills in molecular biology and biochemistry including mammalian cell culture, plasmid DNA transfection, cDNA amplification, mutagenesis, PCR, protein purification, microscopy, etc.
  • Knowledge of solution chemistry, pH buffering, and routine safe lab practice.
  • Skills to manage laboratory supplies and to keep neat and accurate records of all experimental details.
  • Strong computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Primary cell culture, small animal surgery, mass spectroscopy, ELISA, immunoblotting, western blotting, electrophysiology.
  • Knowledge and experience with laboratory safety and EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Part-time (50%) to 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/JPF03998) For full consideration, applications must be completed by February 25, 2021; however, the position will remain open until filled through August 31, 2021.

Qualified applicants should submit:

  • CV with details of previous research experience
  • Cover letter stating reason for applying to this position and brief summary of your specific qualifications for this position
  • 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.; include previous research experience.

  • Cover Letter - State reason for applying to this position and brief summary of your specific qualifications for this position.

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
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