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Junior Specialist - Yamada lab

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $49,000/yr ($23.47/hr) at Step 1 and $52,200/yr ($25.00/hr) at Step 2.

Application Window

Open date: April 10, 2023

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Jun 28, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Apr 9, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of California, Davis invites applications from qualified candidates for one or more Junior Specialist positions.

The successful candidate will join the research lab of Professor Soichiro Yamada to provide specialized expertise in the planning and execution of an NIH-sponsored research project studying the mechano-biology of cells.

NATURE AND PURPOSE
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.

JOB SUMMARY AND DESIGNATED AREA OF EXPERTISE
Under the direction of the PI, the candidate’s responsibilities are a significant and essential part of publishable research activities.

The candidate will assist the PI in studying the molecular mechanisms underlying force-induced cell signaling (mechano-transduction) in normal and cancer cells, as well as identifying the physiological and pathological roles of this mechano-transduction. Candidate will perform routine laboratory tasks including: mammalian cell and bacterial culture, biochemical analysis of proteins, molecular biology protocols, fluorescence microscopy assays, routine microfabrication, and reagent preparation.

The candidate will keep meticulous records of protocols, will collaborate with other lab personnel to collect and interpret test results, and work with the research team to revise future studies as needed. The candidate will collaborate with the research group to collect data for manuscript preparation, review, and submission. The candidate will work with the project team to review and submit research proposals. Candidate will manage any relevant safety protocols and assure compliance with required documentation.

The candidate’s significant and meaningful contributions described above will lead to authorship or acknowledgement of published work.

MAJOR RESEARCH RESPONSIBILITIES (85% EFFORT)
• The candidate will assist the PI and other lab personnel in identifying force-induced protein-protein interactions, through the collection of samples from mammalian cells and will perform various biochemical and cell assays. In addition to performing assays, the candidate will interpret data. As an integral part of the study, the candidate will assist in revising plans for future studies.
• The candidate has unique skills and expertise in performing various relevant molecular biology and biochemistry protocols, and the preparation and maintenance of mammalian cell cultures. In addition, the candidate has expertise in using various lab equipment and will interpret and properly categorize collected data, which distinguishes him/her from other personnel who are charged with running the tests.
• The candidate will have a clear commitment to experimental rigor, and will keep meticulous records of all aspects of the studies. They will assist in performing assays and collecting data, which is an essential and meaningful contribution to successfully submit scholarly manuscripts.
• The candidate will be responsible for reading and reviewing literature pertinent to the studies.
• In addition to successfully collaborating with other research personnel in the lab and communicating scientific information, the candidate will be responsible for presenting research results during lab meetings. The candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to effectively engage others in the planning and conduct of research activities.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)
• Candidate will participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
• In consultation with the PI, the candidate will have the potential to attend local and/or national scholarly conferences. The candidate will collaborate with researchers in the lab and will help to produce data presented at conferences.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
• Candidate may maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.
• Candidate may participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as deemed appropriate by the PI.

POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE
As openings occur, appointments are made contingent upon availability of funding. The posting will remain open to accommodate Yamada lab needs. If you would like to continue to be considered after that time, you will need to submit a new application when a new position is posted.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, biological sciences, or related field, or be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in an above or related discipline.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Bachelor's degree is required by appointment start date.

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

Previous experience with mammalian cell culture is preferred, but not required.

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
  • 2-4 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05655

Help contact: irevzin@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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