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Junior Specialist - Kim Lab

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $51,300 at Step 1 or $54,600 at Step 2

Application Window

Open date: January 31, 2024

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Feb 14, 2024 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 30, 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

Junior Specialist - Kim Lab
UC DAVIS CENTER FOR NEUROSCIENCE
Apply via https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06295
Applications will be reviewed starting 15 days after posting. The position will remain open until filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Kim Lab at the Center for Neuroscience develops molecular and optical approaches to study the function and organization of individual neurons within the brain. Our lab uses synthetic biology, two-photon microscopy, and animal behavior to deconstruct the neural circuits required to direct animal behavior. We are looking to hire a junior specialist to conduct neuroscience research related to tagging activated neurons using light-activatable transcription factors and enzymes.

Junior Specialist – Dr. Christina Kim’s Lab
Full-time (40 hours/week)
Up to 2-year commitment with reappointment is preferred in order to fulfill training requirements.
Start date: As soon as possible, but no later than March 1st, 2024.

1) RESEARCH – 90%
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to help run our research program at UC Davis. The position will be fast-paced, and the primary research project will be to establish and test new technologies for performing molecular profiling in activated neural circuits. The candidate will learn how to design and clone molecular circuits, generate viruses, and infect and test tools in cultured cells and potentially in vivo in the mouse brain. The candidate will perform confocal imaging acquisition and analysis of results and will collaborate with graduate students and postdocs in the lab. As such, the candidate will engage in publishable research activities that can involve reviewing journal articles, presenting research at scientific meetings, and preparing results for publication in research journals. The candidate will also present in weekly laboratory meetings and will engage in one-on-one meetings with the PI to discuss research progress. Other Lab responsibilities include coordinating daily lab activities, ordering lab supplies, ensuring lab safety compliance with UC Davis regulations and guidelines, and overseeing student assistants and lab maintenance.

3) PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY – 5%
The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. The candidate will participate in scientific conferences appropriate to their specific field and will attend seminars to present research results internally and externally.
o Actively participate in weekly lab meetings, journal club presentations, presentations from outside speakers, and weekly workshops to help develop career goals.
o Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and/or review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

4) UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE – 5%
o The candidate may mentor undergraduate student assistants in the lab.
o The candidate may participate in the lab’s public outreach activities.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• BS/BA in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• Experience with cell culture and sterile technique.
• Experience with immunofluorescence imaging and analysis.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• At least 1 year of research lab experience.
• General molecular biology skills, including the ability to follow wet lab protocols.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Excellent problem solving, deductive reasoning, and decision-making skills.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06295

Help contact: jamunguia@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.

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Job location

Davis, Ca