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Assistant Specialist - Martinez-Cerdeno Lab

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Position description

Specialist- Pathology and Lab Medicine
Martinez-Cerdeno Lab JPF04662

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the UC Davis School of Medicine is seeking a full-time Assistant Specialist. The purpose of this position is to provide support, coordination, and leadership for research studies of Dr. Veronica Martinez-Cerdeño.

This position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of a research project investigating neurological disorders involving processes of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration including autism spectrum disorders, fragile X syndrome and fragile-x associated disorders. This position requires experience in basic research and previous experience working in projects in postmortem human samples. The Specialist must be able to work independently as well as a team member.

The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and supply input to the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do 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.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

A. The Specialist will use research experience to lead research projects under the direction of Veronica Martinez-Cerdeño, PhD. Specific duties for this position include writing of research projects; procurement and use of human tissue for research purposes; assessment of operational and material requirements for the conduction of current and proposed research studies; collection, management and analysis of research data.

B. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving (e.g., consenting participants for their participation). Upon consent of patients in compliance with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, the Specialist may procure specimen or tissue collection, including biobanking as needed, and maintain documentation as outlined by Good Laboratory Practice, and Good Clinical Practice requirements.

C. In addition, the Specialist needs to utilize technical skills that are suited to the needs of the project. This will require demonstrated proficiency with laboratory bench work (including but not limited to immunohistochemistry, basic and specialized tissue stain, microscopical analysis and imaging), strict adherence to protocol, require keen observation, and extensive documentation. The Specialist will also be required to have recruitment and managerial competences to maintain an excellent communication channels with participating families and collaborators and procure accuracy and integrity of the research data.

D. The Specialist will be expected to mentor junior lab members including volunteers and UC Davis undergraduate and graduate students and collaborating with visiting national and international scholars.

E. This position will also be responsible for assisting Dr. Martinez-Cerdeño with writing and submitting IRB protocols, renewals and modifications; and grants, as requested. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:
1) Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
2) Publications on which the Specialist is an author.
3) Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) of the work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
4) Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
5) Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.
C. Candidate must have an excellent record of success as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.
B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.
C. Participate in outreach and educational activities.

Number of Positions Available: 1

Term of Appointment:
One year with possibility to extend. Appointment based on the needs of the research project. 100% Appointment.

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04662.

The resulting hire will be at the Assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

This posting will remain open until filled through 6/30/2022.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Master's level degree in Psychology with an emphasis in behavioral neuroscience

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

CITI trainings (Will also take trainings on animal care and use in research)

  • RCR Basic Course - RCR: Business / Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies (ID 115238)
  • Biomedical Research - Basic/Refresher - Biomedical Researchers and staff (ID 34113)
  • Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research (ID 92286)

Bench Science: Experienced with pipetting, chemical measuring, solution dilution and pH balancing. Skilled in immunohistochemistry protocols with the ability to troubleshoot and calibrate practices to optimize specific antibodies. Proficient with the preparation and embedding of samples for electron microscopy.

Computer skills: Proficient with Microsoft office, including creating detailed spreadsheets with functions in Excel, comprising tables and formatting manuscripts in Word, and creating highly detailed figures and presentations with PowerPoint. Competent with WordPress for website design and management.

Biological sciences: Knowledgeable in neuroanatomy, human brain dissection, immunochemistry in human brain tissue, cellular and circuit level brain functions, genetics, animal behavior, and stereotaxic surgeries.

Communication skills: Professional and prompt with work related communications across all media including e-mail, phone, texting, whatsapp, zoom, microsoft teams and google hangouts.

Interpersonal skills: Worked well with people across all demographics by being respectful of others experiences and trusting in their professionalism and expertise to accomplish work goals. Believes respect is key and that everyone brings a unique and valuable perspective to the table when solving any problem.

Work environments: Able to work with shifting priorities and stacking goals while maintaining organization and appropriate deadline management.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter (Optional)

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

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • 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
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04662

Help contact: vmartinezcerdeno@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