Recruit

Dr. Kinnally at the California National Primate Research Center seeks to fill a 100% research assistant position at the Junior Specialist level starting June 15. The successful candidate(s) will work on studies examining aging and longevity in rhesus monkeys. This position is funded for one year with potential for extension depending on funding. Under general direction of the PI in the Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, following established procedures, conduct aspects of projects on aging and longevity in the nonhuman primate. Collect data for laboratory studies using nonhuman primate models using physiological and behavioral approaches. Duties will be carried out at the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) in Davis. Duties include physiological and behavioral data collection, maintenance of large datasets, use of technology for data collection and processing, and preparation of biological samples for assay. Troubleshoot, recommend, and develop new techniques. Assist on data analysis and manuscript writing. Present work in team meeting and at conferences. Effectively collaborate on research projects as directed by protocols and research goals with undergraduates, staff, graduate students, post-docs and PIs.

80% Assist with data collection and data management including, but not exclusive to the following:
• Assist with physiological and behavioral data collection with adult and aging monkeys.
• Learn behavioral assessment techniques and data collection applications.
• Record behavior in multiple contexts (ie, live, eyetracking or video) in standardized fashion.
• Prepare equipment and testing spaces for experiments.
• Clean equipment and testing spaces.
• Assist with organization of data.
• Assist with the preparation and analysis of nonhuman primate tissues.
• Use laboratory equipment including centrifuges, incubators, etc.

15% Scientific / Academic:
• Assist with study design, literature reviews, data analyses, and dissemination of results.
• Review the literature in order to help with new method and experimental design.
• Work with PI, staff, graduate and undergraduate students to assist with design and implementation of experiments.
• Help to prepare manuscripts in collaboration with the PI and graduate students
• Participate in investigator and team meetings.
• Attend recommended relevant talks and lectures presented on campus.

5% University and Public Service:
• Train and mentor undergraduate research assistants in the lab on data collection, data management, data analysis and following protocols. This will provide a university service in that they will be actively facilitating the participation of undergraduate students in research activities.

A Junior Specialist appointee should have a baccalaureate or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee, or if lacking a relevant baccalaureate degree should have experience with the appropriate specialized research methods.

In general, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.

Physical Demands
• Perform diversified tasks that may often require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping or standing.
• Manual and visual dexterity to perform all duties with emphasis on attention to detail and the operation and maintenance of equipment is essential.
• Perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level 2 and 2+ conditions. Although the current study does not involve infectious animals, the worksite houses non-human primates that may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, lab coats, gloves, masks, face shields, and head and shoe covers.
• Be able to lift and move at least 20 lbs.

Work Environment
• Measles vaccination or proof of illness required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements.
• Must be willing to perform assigned duties in a BioSafety Level (BSL) 2 or 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV or Herpes B virus; working area is located within a defined animal area and may include biohazards.
• Work in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
• Required to wear protective clothing in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
• Work occasional overtime. Work occasional weekends and holidays.
• Provide after hours, weekend and holiday emergency support as required.
• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

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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