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Junior Specialist - Dr. Silverman Lab

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Position overview

Salary range: Step 1 - $3,900 monthly
Step 2 - $4,150 monthly

Position description

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist for the Silverman Lab.

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on a variety of interesting behavioral neuroscience research projects using rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders. This position in the Silverman Laboratory offers exciting opportunities to work with several preclinical models of rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders and contribute to translational science, using preclinical neurophysiology. Successful candidates will also participate in support and contribution to research for grants funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome for Therapeutics (FAST) and the RDM Positive Impact Foundation to study SYNGAP1.

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES

The incumbent for this position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on characterizing behavioural, physiological, and anatomical phenotypes in preclinical models of rare neurodevelopmental disorders. They will be involved in colony management, behavioural assays, physiological studies, tissue collection, wet laboratory practices, manuscript writing and conference presentations.

General responsibilities include:

I. RESEARCH ACTIVITY (85%)

  • Understanding of general laboratory procedures including sterile techniques, preparation of analytical reagents, small animal work, and use of analytical laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to independently and proactively research information that will allow for forward progress and problem solve in the laboratory.
  • Work successfully among a fast paced competitive, interdisciplinary team.
  • Breeding of genetically modified mice and basic rodent husbandry.
  • Collecting tissue from genetic mouse and rat models.
  • Collect in vivo behavioral outcome measures in genetic mouse and rat models.
  • Genotyping subjects with a high level of knowledge of DNA extraction and PCR and qPCR procedures as well as troubleshooting.
  • Analyzing behavioral and biological data.
  • Preparation of data as figures for future grant applications and publication.
  • Ability to score behavioral videos and observe seizure events for extended period of time.
  • Perform invasive survival stereotaxic surgery
  • Harvest rodent brain tissue.
  • Data management, processing, and statistical analysis of experimental data.
  • Writing experimental methods, data graphics, and statistical software.
  • Knowledge of electroencephalographic data
  • Knowledge of spectral analysis was in Python, and MATLAB
  • EEG Analysis and Visualization (MNE) opensource software.
  • Familiarity with Github.
  • Flexibility with time and research project focus areas.
  • Participate in lab meetings by sharing and discussing data and journal articles.
  • Keep administration paperwork for laboratory safety and animal care and use records.
  • Understand and execute post-operative care of rodents.
  • Prepare for laboratory inspections and liaison with inspectors.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)

  • Prepare and present data at lab meetings, UC Davis sponsored conferences as well as national and international scientific conferences.
  • The incumbent will also contribute to research proposals and publications with data production, analysis, writing and editing skills.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

  • The incumbent for this position will interact with various vendors for our supplies.
  • Incumbent will be encouraged to participate in various UC Davis organizations as they see fit.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
  • Bachelor’s degree in biological science, or a related field.
  • Experience in psychology, neuroscience, laboratory work, and data analysis.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
  • Demonstrated skills in rodent husbandry of genetically manipulated animal models and excellent rodent handling skills.
  • Significant experience in colony management, tissue collection, genotyping, PCR, and rodent behavioral testing.
  • Ability to travel and perform experiments within laboratories in Sacramento and Davis.
  • Extended hours of in vivo data collection.
  • Computer skills using word processing and Microsoft suite.
  • Proficiency with statistical and graphing software (GraphPad Prism).
  • Superior attention to detail and diligent recordkeeping.
  • Knowledge of spectral analysis was in Python, and MATLAB
  • EEG Analysis and Visualization (MNE) opensource software.
  • Familiarity with Github.
  • Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, organization and preparation, ability to work in a demanding environment are essential.
  • The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
  • Background in biological psychology and/or neuroscience (e.g., preparing and diluting analytical reagents, use of analytical laboratory equipment, sterile technique).
  • Pharmacological injection skills (e.g., intraperitoneal, tail vein).
  • Experience collecting mouse cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue.
  • Experience with Western blots and rodent touchscreen assays.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04551

Help contact: tisxiong@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/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 UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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Job location

Sacramento, CA