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Junior Specialist - Kuo Lab

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Position overview

Salary range: Step I - $46,800 [100% annual] or Step II - $49,800 [100% annual], commensurate with qualifications and experience

Position description

The Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior at the University of California, Davis invites applications for qualified Junior Specialists (JPF04715) in general support of molecular, cellular, epigenetic, genetics, and physiological experiments related to the study of diabetes.

A majority of activities will be conducted in the lab. The position(s) may be filled as either part-time or full-time, depending upon the needs of the lab.

Research (90%)
This position requires intellectual contributions to an active research program investigating pancreatic islet biology, transcription factors, epigenetics, genetics, and metabolic disorder. The candidate will perform experiments for defined projects leveraging both in vivo and in vitro methods, document and organize results, and participate in the preparation of scientific publication and grant proposals. The candidate will work side-by-side with the Principal Investigator to set up a new lab, and to manage colonies. The candidate will interact with the Principal Investigator on a daily basis to develop plans to achieve scientific goals, perform experiments to test working hypothesis, and to interpret the results. The candidate will contribute creatively to the project through study design, application of the Scientific Method, and revision of plans for future experiments. He/she will be responsible for the upkeep of the lab: ordering consumables, requesting quotes from company representatives, and ensuring the lab is a clean and safe place to work. Experience in colony management is required. Excellence in standard laboratory techniques (PCR, cloning, and DNA and protein electrophoresis) and strong work ethic are expected. Candidate must be comfortable handling and working with mouse model systems. Individual with a deep interest in science, programming skills, and an ambition to excel in diabetes research are highly sought.

Professional competence (5%)
The candidate will actively contribute to the weekly lab meeting or journal club, and will be expected to present on an average of 2 times a year on research progress or scientific paper, respectively. The candidate will attend seminars and may present research results and is encouraged to interact with professional interest groups. The candidate will be allowed to engage in public outreach activities that include presenting research results to the public. This position requires excellent organization skills and precise execution of experiments, strong work ethic, good communication skills, and the ability to work well independently.

Service (5%)
The candidate will act as a mentor for undergraduate volunteers in the lab, and provide training in lab procedures.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related discipline. Experience in PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and standard laboratory techniques are expected

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Experience in analyzing large datasets (such as RNA-seq and ChIP-seq) using web-based platform and/or computer programming. Ability to work with Excel, PowerPoint, and ImageJ is required. Colony management is expected.

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

Experience in islet biology and cell culture are preferred. Programming skills are preferred.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • 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 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04715

Help contact: dbsmith@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

Davis, CA