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Junior Specialist-Chang Lab

Position overview

Salary range: Exempt: A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 at Step 1 or $56,600 at Step 2.
Non- Exempt: A reasonable estimate for this position is $25.44/hr at Step 1 or $27.11/hr at Step 2.

Application Window

Open date: December 9, 2024

Next review date: Thursday, Dec 26, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting a full-time Junior Specialist in Dr. Stephano Chang’s lab. The Chang lab studies novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in a large animal model of peripheral nerve injury to translate findings to the clinical setting.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in the planning and execution of a research project. The junior specialist will become proficient at animal surgeries, including nerve repair, large animal experimentation, clinical translation, data collection, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and figure generation) for a particular project.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Stephano Chang and the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

I. RESEARCH (90% Effort)
A. The Junior Specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other research personnel to investigate two broad research questions within peripheral nerve injury in a large animal model: 1) How can advanced imaging modalities help us make clinical decisions after a closed nerve injury; and 2) Can device-based and neuromodulation-based therapies enhance nerve regeneration and functional recovery after injury? Scientific and surgical training will be provided in the laboratory.
Specific duties will include:
1) Literature review and experiment planning
2) Large animal surgeries to repair nerves after injury
3) Animal experiments involving electrophysiology, behavioral studies, and histology
4) Actively contribute to publishable research by collecting and interpreting data.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort)
The Junior Specialist will be expected to actively participate in the dissemination of information at 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.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, neuroscience, or bioengineering.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and decision-making skills.
• The ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Candidates who seek advanced degrees in the neurosciences or related fields. A general interest in neurosurgery is recommended, as the PI is a neurosurgeon-scientist. The candidate ideally has at least 1 year of experience working with animal surgeries and electrophysiology techniques in the neurosciences. This may include laboratory experience during undergraduate studies.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06865

Help contact: margodfrey@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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Job location

Davis, CA