Recruit

The position of Junior Specialist has a narrow focus in the designated area(s) of specialization 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. The Junior Specialist will be actively and significantly engaged in research on basic science and the Center for Women's Cardiovascular and Brain Health to understand the impact of risk factors to cardiovascular disease and dementia on the brain microvasculature. The Junior Specialist will be required to be involved in research activities that will lead to publishable results, including participating in general lab maintenance, analyzing research data and process these into result figures/tables/graphical display, reviewing journal articles, constructing reference lists, and supporting research including the preparation of reagents, supplies for experiments, and animal studies and necropsies. The Junior Specialist will also be expected to obtain training and follow all applicable University, State and Federal safety guidelines necessary for the performance of this work, including approved animal use protocols.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS: (90%)
The Junior Specialist will use their academic and professional expertise to make scientific contributions to research studies. Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator and Project Scientists, the Junior Specialist will collaborate with research personnel in the Women's Cardiovascular and Brain Health lab to offer technical support and creative contributions to several basic studies that focus on animal, biochemical, molecular, and histological studies. The Junior Specialist’s responsibilities will focus on general lab maintenance and research support in the areas of cardiovascular research under the direction of the principal investigator and project scientists in the lab. The main responsibility of the individual in the lab will include working in basic projects to examine the impact of cardiovascular risk factors for high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol on brain microvascular transcriptomics through molecular analyses, data analyses and processing results, interaction with other members of the research team. The Junior Specialist will be responsible for recording and organizing data and records. The Junior Specialist will aid in the general conduct of the IACUC documents, and protocols and supporting the maintenance of a clean and efficient working lab environment. The Junior Specialist will participate in drafting and revising of materials to be used for study manuscripts, including preparing tables and figures, on an as needed basis in database research, preparation of reference lists, and the like. The Junior Specialist will be involved in tangible activities related to the conduct of research including maintenance of liquid nitrogen filled cell storage tanks, preparation of RNAse free instruments, preparation of reagenst and solutions for experiments, preparation of supplies for animal necropsies, maintenance of the laboratory physical space for organization and cleanliness including use of autoclave, transfer of research materials as necessary to Core research facilities for processing, proper use of password protected lab computers and backup of lab data and files to secure shared drives.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY: (5%)
The Junior Specialist will have opportunities to participate in appropriate local University conferences in the field of cardiology, nutrition, health and multiomics, and participate in and contribute to other academic activities such as preparation and presentation of research posters, as applicable.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE: (5%)
The Junior Specialist will be expected to minimally participate in training activities. The Junior Specialist will be provided opportunities to participate in lab meetings, as appropriate.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 2

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: One year with the possibility to extend to two years maximum, based on the needs of the research project. 50% Appointment.

Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files via https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF05991

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Jaskaran Birak at jkbirak@ucdavis.edu.

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.