Skip to main content

Jr. Specialist I - Division of Infectious Diseases

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

Position description

The position of Junior Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment, or with research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. Junior Specialists are required to be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities, including reviewing journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results. Junior Specialists are also expected to participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations as well as review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications as applicable related to their research area of expertise.

This position will be housed in Division of Infectious Diseases facilities at the Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility on the Davis campus and will be involved in interdisciplinary studies including work investigating the role of protease-mediated signaling in M. tuberculosis virulence funded by the NIH. The Lab focuses on research investigating M. tuberculosis. This position is paid monthly.

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in bacterial pathogenesis for 90% of the time. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, research on molecular aspects of M. tuberculosis pathogenesis, performing molecular techniques such as RNA/DNA extraction, RT-qPCR Assays, subcloning DNA fragments into vectors, transforming bacteria, plating bacteria for quantitation, running protein gels and Western blots, and cell culture including production of Lentivirus. The candidate will participate in performing or assisting in experiments to generate data, perform data analysis, and will receive training by post-doctoral fellows, senior researchers, and the principal investigator. The candidate will participate in the design, collection, and interpretation of data and evaluation of the information in order to consult with the PI and senior researchers. The position will help maintain lab safety protocols and assistance with institutional inspections, manage specimen inventory, assist data input and storage, and maintaining an inventory of supplies and placing requests for orders to the business office. The Junior Specialist will also gain mentoring experience by training and overseeing the undergraduate assistants in the laboratory as they perform tasks such as biohazard waste disposal, maintaining lab inventory, and making stock solutions. The candidate will be expected to attend lab meetings and when appropriate, will present data to their laboratory peers and will contribute to scholarly articles by providing their research findings, data, and write-ups on the work performed and may participate in writing manuscript portions in relation to their research findings. The candidate will review scholarly literature to improve or learn about methods that are needed for ongoing projects and will participate in local conferences and joint lab meetings. With 5% of their efforts the candidate will provide University/public service by providing mentorship of undergraduate students, guiding them in laboratory safety and training in work and data analysis. With 5% of their efforts they will participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations and will prepare and present scientific posters.

Research and Evaluation (90%):

• Assists in the implementation and evaluation of research activities related to M. tuberculosis.
• Assists with data collection and analysis.
• Is actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities, including reviewing journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results.
• Prepares research dissemination materials, including conference presentation materials and manuscripts.
• Conducts literature reviews and assists with development of research experiments.

Professional Competence (5%):

• Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations. Prepare and present scientific posters.
• Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise, specifically M. tuberculosis.

University and Public Service (5%):

• Mentoring undergraduate students.
• Organize research group meetings to advance the research agenda.
• Participate research group meetings presenting their experimental results.

SALARY: Step 1 $46,800 annually

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: 1 Year

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by 5/1/2022. However, this position will remain open until filled through 6/30/2022.

Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files via https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF04860.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Kaitlyn Kirk at kkirk@ucdavis.edu.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in science or other related medical field. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skill. Prior lab experience. Working knowledge and familiarity with spreadsheets. Meticulous attention to detail.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Knowledge in statistical methods is desirable.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (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/JPF04860

Help contact: kkirk@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

Sacramento, CA