Recruit

Junior Specialist Position
Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science
UC Davis School of Medicine

The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at the UC Davis School of Medicine is seeking a full-time Junior Specialist. The purpose of this position is to provide support, coordination, and leadership for the research studies of Dr. Robert Zawadzki. The position requires an individual with a background in molecular and cell biology or biomedical engineering / ophthalmic imaging and experience in studying animal models. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently or in a team. The incumbent will also be expected to analyze and prepare data for both oral presentations and publications in scientific journals.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in future careers in science, technology or medicine to gain experience in a stimulating and interactive laboratory environment.

The incumbent will participate in the following duties:

Research (85%):

The Junior Specialist will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties:

• Planning, execution and presentation of research on mouse models of eye diseases. A successful candidate will participate in lab activities, particularly around issues of image acquisition, processing and innovative programming for data acquisition and processing

• In vivo and ex vivo mouse retinal imaging with selection of retinal areas for testing. This will be done in collaboration with PIs specializing in specific mouse models. Creative solutions will be required to image retinal layers below regions that have been compromised by retina degeneration.

• Genotyping and maintaining multiple mouse colonies, DNA isolation, PCR, tissue extraction as well as staining slides with antibodies (immunohistochemistry).

• Help with lab maintenance, including staying compliant with safety standards and inspections, ordering lab supplies, as well as completing paperwork.

• Active involvement in the preparation of manuscripts for publications in collaboration with the principal investigator. This can include reviewing relevant literature, describing methods and results used to acquire the data, presenting and analyzing data retrieved, constructing clear and informative figures, interpreting the results, constructing clear and informative figures, and interpreting the results..

Professional Competence (10%):

The candidate will be expected to attend symposia and conferences, and participate in and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs, and other activities, as applicable. The incumbent will present research at regional and appropriate national meetings such as ARVO and Photonic West. Presentations will be delivered in poster and/or oral format.

University and Public Service (5%):

The candidate will be expected to mentor undergraduates in the lab, and participate in and contribute to laboratory and group meetings and other activities, as applicable.

As a full-time research group member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training, and mentoring.

The Junior Specialist will mentor undergraduate students from UC Davis. He/She will actively contribute to lab activities through staff meetings and presentations to colleagues and researchers from various scientific communities.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering or a related field with a minimum of one year of experience in undergraduate laboratory research, a demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions and communicate ideas. In addition, the ability to work occasional weekend hours to manage experiments. Preferred qualifications include computer science or programming skills and experience with lab animal handling.

For full consideration, applications must be received by November 1, 2022; however, the position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2023.

Qualified applicants should apply online at UC Recruit: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF05004. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for up to 3 references. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Please direct questions to Gina McDuff @ gamcduff@ucdavis.edu.

UC Davis commits to inclusion excellence by advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do. 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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available [http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.]

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/). If you need any accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

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 condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs - With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment.(Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.