Recruit

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of California, Davis, invites applicants for a Junior Specialist position in Dr. Sadegh lab. The Junior Specialist will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in the neurosciences, specifically on mechanisms and pathologies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homeostasis in disorders relevant to neurosurgery. Such disorders include hydrocephalus, brain tumors, and epilepsy. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Sadegh and will require the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The successful candidate will be a member of our rapidly expanding, interactive research team and will engage in scholarly discussions with colleagues on new ideas and concepts. They will perform skilled procedures, collect and analyze data, and prepare respective figures for scientific publications.

I. RESEARCH (90% Effort)

A. The Junior Specialist will work closely with Principal Investigator and lab personnel on investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of CSF production, absorption and homeostasis and related disorders using cell culture and animal models. The junior specialist will perform technical/routine lab activities required to accomplish the research project. It is expected that the Junior Specialist will plan and execute experiments using a variety of neuroscience and general biology research techniques (including brain dissection and extraction of CSF from animal models, live imaging, cell culture, molecular biology, animal colony maintenance, and genotyping). Additional training will be provided in the laboratory.
Specific duties will include:
1) Review literature and experiment planning.
2) Carry out the experiments. Collect and analyze experimental data.
3) Graphing and presenting data on the lab meetings. Contribute to scientific publications.

B. The Junior Specialist will work closely with Principal Investigator and lab personnel to assist on lab organization and training of new lab personnel on experimental procedures and other lab duties.
Other responsibilities include assisting Dr. Sadegh’s group in lab management duties:
1) Establishing lab safety and experimental protocols.
2) Record keeping of lab supplies.
3) Assisting with lab orders.
4) Assisting with animal protocol updates.
5) Assisting with the training of others in the lab.
6) Maintaining lab space organization

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort)

The Junior Specialist will be expected to actively participate in the dissemination of information at the professional meetings, participate and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs and other activities.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% Effort)

The Junior Specialist may be expected to provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants that rotate through the lab. They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, committee service, and other activities, as applicable.

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.