Recruit

The Department of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a pool of qualified Junior Specialists in Comparative Biomedical Research. The successful candidate will provide support to research programs investigating the mechanisms and management of naturally occurring skin and heart diseases of companion animals. The scientific goals of this research are to 1) characterize spontaneous large animal models of human skin and heart disease, and 2) carry out investigations that lead to improved patient care, welfare, and outcomes for both companion animals and humans living with skin and heart disease. This will be a fulltime appointment for one year starting June 1, 2024 with the opportunity to extend the appointment for one additional year.

90% Research
This position will require the ability to organize, plan, and execute clinical, collaborative, and benchtop research experiments as well as the ability to generate and analyze high quality data for publication purposes. The successful candidate will assist in the collection and processing of biological specimens (i.e., blood, tissue, etc.) and will be responsible for maintaining databases and archives of collected samples. The successful candidate may also be involved in organizing and recruiting animals for clinical trials performed at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, which may include direct communications with pet owners and veterinary medical professionals. The successful candidate will perform a variety of laboratory techniques including nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and cell culture. Additional job responsibilities include compiling and summarizing data in spreadsheets, performing statistical analyses, assisting with scientific manuscript preparation, maintaining research equipment, ordering supplies, maintaining clean and safe laboratory environments, and ensuring compliance with all health and safety guidelines and protocols

5% Professional Competence and Activities
Attend and actively participate in laboratory meetings including presentation of data. Review grant proposals, IACUC protocols,. journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise. Review scholarly literature and identify technical support to learn new techniques and methods required for ongoing or future projects. Participation in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.

5% University and Public Service
Mentorship and training of undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary students in the laboratory as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor’s degree in the life sciences, or equivalent; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills; experience working with spreadsheets and maintaining databases; ability to work independently as well as part of a team; ability to work safely with chemicals and biohazards; strong desire to learn and acquire new skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: It is preferred that the candidate has at least 6 months of experience in performing benchtop research including several of the laboratory techniques described above. Prior veterinary experience preferred, including comfort and confidence in animal restraint techniques.

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.