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Jr. Specialist - Gaylord Lab

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Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $49,000 at Step 1 or $52,200 at Step 2.

Position description

Dr. Brian Gaylord in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at UC Davis seeks to fill a full-time position at the Junior Specialist level starting Fall 2023. The position will be based at Bodega Marine Laboratory (BML), where the Gaylord laboratory is located. The Gaylord lab investigates the interplay between physical and ecological processes in marine systems. The position is for one year. The successful candidate will be responsible for collecting data on functional traits of seaweeds and rates of calcification in shoreline invertebrates. These activities will involve field sampling, animal husbandry, laboratory measurements of material properties, and assays of chemical properties of seawater. The specialist will also assist with analysis of resulting data. The work will be conducted in-person, in Gaylord’s laboratory spaces and other facilities at or near BML on the California coast.

The successful candidate will have completed an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences (e.g., Ecology, Biology, Oceanography), and will have experience with ocean or coastal organisms and ecosystems. Experience with seaweeds and invertebrates is a plus but not necessary, as the successful applicant will receive training on the job. Willingness to learn about the carbonate chemistry of seawater is desirable. Responsibilities will include field collections, processing biological and chemical samples using laboratory instrumentation, animal husbandry, overseeing laboratory safety documentation, reading and reviewing scientific journal articles, engaging in discussions of research and interpretation of findings, and contributing to scholarly presentations and publications. As appropriate, the individual will be co-author on such presentations and publications.

85% RESEARCH
Conducting research
• Lead field collections of experimental organisms
• Oversee laboratory husbandry of animals, including feeding and daily health checks, and monitoring of water quality and chemistry of seawater
• Prepare and maintain laboratory safety documents and records
• Run laboratory tests of seaweed material properties
• Assist experiments of invertebrate calcification in seawater of manipulated chemistry
• Order supplies and undertake other miscellaneous organizational tasks
Activities tied to the dissemination of research
• Participate in weekly discussions of relevant literature and undertake literature reviews pertinent to the work being conducted
• Conduct guided data analysis
• Document new or updated field or laboratory procedures
• Contribute to preparation and writing of manuscripts for publication

15% UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE
• Train and mentor other laboratory members and student interns on appropriate methods related to the work of the laboratory

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Basic qualifications
• BS or BA in a natural sciences field
• Experience with marine organisms and ocean environments
• Ability to work carefully and independently
• Excellent organization skills
• Familiarity with basic data collection and entry
• Ability to identify and solve problems encountered in field or lab settings

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter - Please be sure to include your previous laboratory experience and motivation for wanting to work in our lab in particular.

  • 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
  • 2-4 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF05775

Help contact: cnduncan@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