Recruit

We welcome applicants for a Postdoctoral Fellow position to work on chromosome recombination during meiosis in the laboratory of Dr. Neil Hunter at the University of California, Davis in Davis, CA. The successful candidate will conduct a NIH-funded project focused on meiotic roles of the BRCA2 protein. The Hunter lab performs world-leading research in reproductive biology, focused on the process of meiosis. The lab synthesizes cell biology, molecular genetics, and biochemical approaches with mouse, yeast, and cell/tissue/organ culture models to understand how chromosomes are accurately distributed into gametes cells. A major focus is the DNA-repair mechanism called homologous recombination, which is adapted during meiosis to facilitate chromosome pairing and segregation. They strive to understand the molecular mechanisms and regulation of recombination and the influence of genetics and the environment on this essential process, including gender, sexual maturation, aging and chemical contamination. More information about Dr. Hunter and the lab can be found at https://hunterlab.ucdavis.edu/ and https://biology.ucdavis.edu/people/neil-hunter.
The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct research to elucidate the mechanisms and regulation of homologous recombination during meiosis in mouse. The chosen candidate will also be expected to collaborate with other group members and extramural scientists when appropriate; and actively contribute and participate within the laboratory group. The primary worksite location is the Hunter laboratory located in Briggs Hall. The chosen candidate will receive extensive specialized training and be afforded ample opportunity to develop an independent research program. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with specific skills, knowledge, and experience in one or more of the following areas: cell biology, mouse genetics, proteomics, and/or molecular genetics.
UC Davis provides a unique research environment for studying homologous recombination and meiosis with over 45 groups working on various aspects of chromosome biology, DNA repair, and reproductive biology with expertise covering the gamut of techniques from single-molecule biophysics through proteomics, genomics, super-resolution imaging, organoid culture, and whole-animal transgenics. The Hunter lab is proud to be part of this diverse and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and cooperation amongst its members. Quality of life in Davis is unsurpassed with its college-town vibe and easy access to the great outdoors (https://www.ucdavis.edu/campus-life/californias-college-town).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Research and Training (85%)
Research Activity (70%)
The candidate will make original, creative, and fundamental contributions to research projects in meiotic recombination. This will be done in close collaboration and consultation with Dr. Hunter, members of his laboratory, and outside collaborators. The candidate will be responsible for project development and implementation, including experimental design, coordination with collaborators and contractors, data reduction and final report. They will supervise students and technicians and guide them on techniques and methodology, the proper use of equipment, interpretation of results, troubleshooting, and developing future directions.
Specifically, the candidate will work on a NIH-funded project to understand meiotic roles of the BRCA2 protein.
Publications (10%)
The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books and other forums either independently or in collaboration with the P.I. or other members of the research team.
Grant Acquisition (5%)
The candidate will assist in securing project funding by researching, writing and editing grant requests and progress reports in collaboration with the P.I.

Professional Competence (10%)
The candidate will participate in relevant conferences, and the review of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. Project results will be presented at seminars, meetings and conferences in universities and other public forums.

University and Public Service (5%)
The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. They will also help the PI supervise junior researchers.

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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