Recruit

The department of Animal Science is looking to hire 2 Junior Specialists.
This position provides technical, scientific, and organizational assistance to Dr. Mandi Finger’s research at the Genomic Variation Lab (GVL) in the Department of Animal Science, which focuses on using molecular techniques to promote the conservation of threatened and endangered fish species in California and Nevada. The research is designed to address ecological and population genetics questions using a variety of genetic techniques. The research contributes to the generation of fundamental knowledge about fish and wildlife populations of interest. Many projects at the GVL also aim to inform collaborating agencies of genetic information to consider when making management decisions.
Research 90%
The Junior Specialist will be required to perform diverse molecular methods, maintain accurate and organized datasets, and effectively allocate work time between diverse tasks (ability to multi-task and manage time is a must). Resourcefulness, strong attention to detail, and the ability to adapt fluidly as research projects progress will be important for success. The candidate should have an understanding of fundamental ecological concepts as well as basic genetic principles. Technical skills required include DNA extraction, PCR amplification, fragment analysis, gel electrophoresis.
The Junior Specialist will learn to analyze data according to established protocols and assist the PI in formatting data for reports. They will learn to utilize various data and statistical analysis software programs, including GeneMapper, Cervus, STRUCTURE, PmX, R, and GenAlEx. They will keep detailed laboratory notebooks documenting benchtop work and write and edit Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). They will conduct peer-reviewed literature searches related to developing projects in the GVL and collaborate with other members of the GVL and other researchers when appropriate. They will be able to effectively communicate with a diverse array of colleagues in written and verbal form.
The Junior Specialist will assist the laboratory manager in consistent maintenance of lab equipment, and general upkeep of lab space. They will track inventory of tissue and genomic DNA samples stored in the GVL specific to the PI projects. They will help the lab manager ensure that supplies are well stocked and order supplies as needed, recording all expenses. They will keep track of chemical and safety records.
Successful candidates will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a desire to learn from and work with other lab members as well as project stakeholders, who will include agency biologists. Junior specialists in the GVL often move on to be successful graduate students or agency biologists and are often coauthors on contributed manuscripts.
Professional Competence 5%
The Junior Specialist will be required to contribute to scholarly manuscripts by helping to write methods sections, performing literature searches, and providing feedback on manuscript drafts. These efforts will be recognized through co-authorship.
University and Public Service 5%
The Junior Specialist will have the opportunity to mentor high school and undergraduate students. Their duties may also include instructing visiting scholars, graduate students, staff, and volunteers in laboratory procedures.

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