Recruit

The University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology invites applications for 1 full-time Assistant or Associate Specialist position in the subspecialty area of single molecule dynamics of biological macromolecules. The laboratory focuses on molecular motors, protein synthiesis, RNA helicases, and novel fluorescent proteins. The Specialist will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in Biophysics and Pharmacology subspecialties in these areas. The appointment will be made at 100%. The incumbent will devote 85% of their time to research and 15% to professional competence and public service, as described below.

Research (85%):

• The Specialist will use her/his research experience and expertise to lead or support research projects under the direction of the PI or senior members in the lab. Specific duties for this position include writing of research projects/protocols, evaluating cost effectiveness, setting up priority, assessment of material requirements, management and analysis of research data, as well as manuscript preparation.
• The candidate will assist the PI and support the laboratory research in multiple ways, including E. Coli and insect SF9 expression and purification of target proteins, in vitro transcription of test RNA sequences, mutagenesis of plasmid DNA sequences, fluorescent labeling of the macromolecules and biochemical assays of the purity and activity of the products.
• After further training, the incumbent may participate in single molecule fluorescence and optical trap studies of these biological systems.
• The candidate will contribute to data collection, analysis, and putting together graphical representations of data for scholarly manuscripts as well as participating in writing, editing, and reviewing the manuscripts.
• The goal of the research is to understand the structural dynamics of these essential cell biological machines using advanced fluorescence microscopy and optical trapping (laser tweezers) instrumentation and to extend these technologies with novel advances. Candidates may be expected to review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to their projects. The incumbent will be involved in laboratory management, including ordering materials, contacting companies for repairs and maintaining a safe and orderly lab environment.
• The Specialist must strictly adhere to protocol, demonstrate keen observation skills, and extensively document their work while paying attention to details in order to ensure reproducibility.
• Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
• Serve as a research coordinator for projects conducted by PIs in the department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual(s).
• Candidates will review relevant journal articles and participate in scientific discussions in both the lab setting and group venues such as the weekly journal club and lab meeting, the monthly departmental science in progress talks, and when appropriate local national and international scientific meetings such as the Biophysical Society Annual Meeting and smaller national specialty conferences.

Professional Competence (10%):

• The candidate will be encouraged to participate in weekly lab meetings, attend weekly seminars/conferences, and contribute towards weekly journal clubs and other activities, as applicable within the Department of Pharmacology and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology.

Public Service (5 %):

• The candidate is expected to contribute to University and Public service by mentoring undergraduate students, disseminating of experimental procedures/technical expertise to other research groups, and consulting with IACUC and safety committees on campus.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant/associate rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant/associate rank, regardless of the appointee's qualifications.

For full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06245

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

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