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NATURE AND PURPOSE

The position of Junior Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of a research project. The Junior Specialist stays apprised of the research area and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. The role of this position is to provide specialized expertise in (1) interfacing with human study subjects during the screening, onboarding and intervention phases of a human dietary intervention study, (2) collecting, recording, organizing and securing data collected from human study subjects, and (3) processing and storage of biological samples for the joint research projects of the labs of the Dr. Nancy Keim, Dr. Kevin Laugero, and Dr. Mary Kable at USDA, ARS, WHNRC located on the UC Davis campus and affiliated with the Department of Nutrition. The Junior Specialist is actively and significantly engaged in research to understand how dietary components influence the gut microbiome, intestinal cells, and distal sites (e.g. bone). The Junior Specialist will have the opportunity to have creative input into the design of and selection of experiments to meet the study objectives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)

a. The Junior Specialist will use their academic and professional expertise to make scientific contributions to a research study and will have the opportunity to contribute to published research. Under the general direction of the Principal Investigators, the Junior Specialist will collaborate with other research personnel as part of joint projects to understand how a dietary intervention including honey can influence blood glucose, stress, memory, and intestinal inflammation. This includes interfacing with human study subjects during the screening, onboarding and intervention phases of a human dietary intervention.

b. The Junior Specialist’s responsibilities will include inventory and processing of biological samples and data collection devices. For example, the Junior Specialist will be responsible for accepting whole stool samples from study subjects that were collected at home using a stool collection kit. The Junior Specialist will minimally process the samples by aliquoting them into conical tubes within a biological safety cabinet for storage at -80C. Further, the Junior Specialist will instruct subjects in the application and removal of continuous blood glucose monitors. The Junior Specialist’s responsibilities will also include administration of cognitive tests (CANTAB) and satiety tests, and routine quality checking and organization of results.

c. The Junior Specialist will draft tables and figures for scientific publications. Similarly, the candidate will participate in the drafting and revising of study manuscripts on an as needed basis.

d. The Junior Specialist will be actively involved in surveying literature, reviewing journal articles, engaging in discussions on research, and assisting in the interpretation of research results.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

a. The Junior Specialist will participate in appropriate professional societies or groups in the field of nutrition, microbiology, or human health.

b. The Junior Specialist will organize the contributions to journal manuscripts and publications prior to submission and offer technical and creative contributions to the manuscript preparation.

c. The Junior Specialist will conduct literature searches for articles relevant to the research topic, engage in discussions of data with the Principal Investigators, and contribute to manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

The Junior Specialist is expected to minimally participate in University service by mentoring students in the laboratory.

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.