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Specialist - Zhou Lab

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Position description

Dr. Huaijun Zhou in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis is currently seeking a Specialist for one year at 80%. Possibility of extension if funding is available.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in international poultry genome and disease improvement and provides international agriculture research experience and technical support in molecular biology and biochemical assays in the execution of the Genomics to Improve Poultry Innovation Lab and with aid of the writing of journal articles for publication and reports in the Zhou laboratory. Within this international agricultural research program with a focus on avian virology and poultry genomics, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, developing expertise in specialized research, and serve as an operational workflows and research projects; provide training and support and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues. In general, the Specialist does 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 will be evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

The position is focused on the support of the international agricultural research program in Africa for the Genomics to Improve Poultry Innovation Lab. Required candidate qualifications include previous degree training and experience in livestock infectious diseases; strong experience in international project management and monitoring, evaluation, and learning; demonstrated track record in capacity strengthening of diagnostic laboratories in Africa on biosafety and molecular-based assays.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (75% EFFORT)
A. Collaborate with scientists and program affiliated partners on the Genomics to Improve Poultry Innovation Lab in Africa. The candidate will provide considerable independent input into planning and coordination of activities across research teams of scientists in US and Africa. Duties will also include disseminating the research through communication with teams of scientists in Tanzania and Ghana, attendance and participation in scientific meetings, writing reports for sponsoring agencies and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, and assistance on proposal preparation. Evaluation of performance in research activities and in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:

  1. Record of academic accomplishments, including supervising graduate students, dissemination of practical learning material virtually or through other sitting. Leadership to develop collaborative institutional training at national and international level.
  2. Publications contributing to the knowledge base on animal health and/or wellbeing and infectious diseases.
  3. Other evidence recommendations? (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that the work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
  4. Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, international, first authorship in manuscript, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and provide technical and commissioned reports. B. Involves the on-site administrative, research, facilities management and in maintaining field research sites/studies across international regions to support research activities.
  5. Serve as a research coordinator for Genomics to Improve Poultry program. In charge to maintain an effectively communication with scientists and research partners from Africa. Manage outreach program activities, through the program website, and assist with development and updating publications, reports, and other outreach materials, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, and data management. Develop and conduct a learning training trough a virtual program, reviewing activity progress.
  6. Demonstrate engagement with related area of research, including community, industry and government groups (e.g. media comment, series of public lectures, outreach initiatives etc.)

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (15% EFFORT)
A. Assist in preparing proposals for funding to federal and non-federal granting agencies and on related area of the program
B. Review research proposals, writing, (proofreading) peer review of academic papers, reports and presentations related to area of expertise.
C. Maintain and support diverse range of domestic and international research activities within USA Universities, and Institutes in Africa.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% EFFORT)
A. Maintain connection and respond to the needs of State, and Federal agencies in US and private poultry sector, other poultry and agricultural stakeholder groups in Africa.
B. Contribute in academics and public blogging to engage general public the newest science. Serve as support in the management of research facilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. degree in Microbiology or Molecular Biology OR 10 or more years of experience demonstrating expertise in microbiology/molecular biology, poultry science, and/or international agricultural research.

Preferred Qualifications for Selection:
-Ability to work in a complex environment handling different projects (animal genetics, animal diseases, international agricultural research) assessing shifting priorities to manage work flow.
-Knowledge of and ability to follow safe working practices.
-Organizational skills to schedule work activities.
-Ability to work with a variety of material sources (animal, samples, tissues, cell lines, etc.
-Demonstrated excellence in programmatic/laboratory management in research projects focused on animal disease
-Demonstrated experience with animal research, utilization of research animals, and understanding/compliance with animal care protocols and regulations.
-Ability to manage laboratory space: Train and oversee students, procure necessary equipment and supplies, maintain equipment, work with others (including coordinating schedules with other lab users), maintain laboratory records.
-Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary to work with a diverse team from different backgrounds and with varying skill levels for the purpose of assisting/teaching/supervising laboratory members and student researchers in research protocols and laboratory safety.
-Knowledge and technical skills to critically understand, interpret, and perform techniques and procedures for analysis of biological samples.
-Experience in sample preparation techniques such as DNA and/or RNA extraction/ isolation.
-Skills to manage and operate analytical instrumentation and obtain maximum performance from equipment.
-Skills to prepare analytical reagents, solutions, controls and standards.
-Knowledge to appropriately handle/dispose of hazardous materials.
-Skills to become familiar with and apply good laboratory practices as well as safety procedures and other policies and procedures outlined by OSHA
-Ability to use Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, and POWERPOINT.

SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with experience
POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE: The posting will remain open until filled.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT: One year
TO APPLY: To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04040
Applicants should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for two references. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law.

QUESTIONS: Please direct any questions to Dr. Huaijun Zhou (hzhou@ucdavis.edu)

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/dod4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.
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 UCSC 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://breathfree.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

Reference requirements
  • 2-4 required (contact information only)
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