Skip to main content

Junior Specialist - Jao Lab

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

The Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire a full-time employee as a Junior Specialist. This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in vertebrate development, translation regulation, and centrosome biology. Additional description of research interests can be found at: https://www.jaolab.org. Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)
The Specialist is expected to work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Li-En Jao in planning and execution of experiments involving mammalian cultured cells, zebrafish model system, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and advanced microscopy. Importantly, the Specialist is expected to assume the responsibility of carrying out research projects independently for the lab, with the expectation that results from these projects will lead to publications. Therefore, the Specialist needs to have the necessary skills to generate high-quality and publishable data. S/he is also expected to study relevant journal articles, think critically and creatively, and to use the knowledge for designing experiments to test and refine hypotheses.
The Specialist is expected to participate in lab meetings, departmental seminars, and other relevant research seminars on campus. In those meetings, s/he will present 1) her/his own research results or 2) recent research journal articles relevant to the projects involving zebrafish development and centrosome biology. In those meetings, the Specialist is expected to engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results.
The Specialist is expected to co-write the manuscripts with the PI using the data from the research projects s/he is involved in. In addition to those research activities, the Specialist is also expected to perform various technical and routine lab activities (e.g., ordering, lab organization and management, etc.).
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in future careers in science or medicine to gain experience in a stimulating and interactive lab environment.
2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
In a later stage of the employment, the Specialist is expected to attend and present data (in the form of poster or oral presentations) in regional or international conferences or retreats. Such meetings include but are not limited to the annual MCB T32 retreat, Bay Area Cytoskeleton Symposium, NorCal Zebrafish Symposium, and annual meetings of American Society for Cell Biology.

3. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
The Specialist is expected to assist in mentoring undergraduates and/or junior members in the lab, participate and contribute to collaborator and laboratory meetings, and other general activities as applicable.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor degree in Biology or a related field. The degree must have been awarded before starting date.
• Knowledge of routine safe laboratory practices.
• Minimum of two years of research experience in a laboratory setting is required.
• Familiar with routine molecular biology skills (e.g., nucleic acid isolation, molecular cloning, genotyping, PCR).
• Ability to manage laboratory supplies and to keep accurate records of experimental details.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Most importantly, the job requires a highly motivated, organized, and focused individual who is eager to learn and take initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience with maintaining cell culture


• Experience with protein quantification techniques.

• Experience with immunohistochemistry and microscopy.

• Experience with qPCR, plasmid DNA transfection and cloning.

• Experience handling mice, applying anesthesia for surgery, and maintaining an animal breeding colony.

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/JPF04675. For full considerations applications must be completed by February 9, 2022; however, the position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2022.

Qualified applicants should submit:
• Cover Letter
• CV
• Contact information for 2 - 3 references

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor degree in Biology or a related field. The degree must have been awarded before starting date.
• Knowledge of routine safe laboratory practices.
• Minimum of two years of research experience in a laboratory setting is required.
• Familiar with routine molecular biology skills (e.g., nucleic acid isolation, molecular cloning, genotyping, PCR).
• Ability to manage laboratory supplies and to keep accurate records of experimental details.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Most importantly, the job requires a highly motivated, organized, and focused individual who is eager to learn and take initiatives.

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

• Experience with maintaining cell culture


• Experience with protein quantification techniques.

• Experience with immunohistochemistry and microscopy.

• Experience with qPCR, plasmid DNA transfection and cloning.

• Experience handling mice, applying anesthesia for surgery, and maintaining an animal breeding colony.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter - Please briefly describe your research experience, reason(s) for seeking this position, and future career goals. Please also include some unique skills that do not make it to your CV and some personal hobbies.

    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04675

Help contact: accflores@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.

2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, Ca