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Junior Specialist- Michelmore Lab

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 at Step 1 or $56,600 at Step 2

Application Window

Open date: December 16, 2024

Next review date: Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jan 10, 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

In direct collaboration with the Principal Investigator and other lab personnel, this position will be involved in multiple research projects, particularly the molecular genetics and genomics of plants and plant pathogens.

Research (90%)
Specifically, the Junior Specialist will be responsible for wetlab and computational investigations of genetic recombination, genome structure, and mechanisms of variation in plants and plant pathogens. This may include but is not limited to harvesting of samples, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, scoring of genome edits, various molecular biology procedures, analysis of sequencing data, genome assembly, and analyses of genomic variation.
The appointee will prepare manuscripts for publications and reports, in collaboration with her/his direct supervisor. Manuscript preparation by the appointee will include reviewing the relevant literature and summarizing these reviews in the introduction, describing results and methods used to acquire the results, presenting and analyzing data obtained by the appointee, constructing clear and informative figures, interpreting the results and discussing how they fit with the current understanding of the field. Depending on whether the appointee is first or middle author of the manuscript in preparation, she/he will contribute these items for most of the manuscript or only the part contributed.

Professional Competence (5%)
Depending on interest and availability of funds, the Junior Specialist will have opportunities to present research findings to a larger audience at scientific conferences or meetings. The appointee will also assist the investigator in presenting progress reports and final summaries to granting agencies.

University and Public Service (5%)
The Junior Specialist will participate in training activities, such as mentoring undergraduate students. They will actively contribute to lab activities via meetings and unit/campus presentations.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
  1. Baccalaureate degree in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
  2. Background in molecular genetics and computational biology.
  3. Knowledge of basic molecular techniques.
  4. Competence for working in a Unix computer environment.
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
  1. Experience in extraction, purification, and manipulation of nucleic acids.
  2. Experience in PCR and molecular manipulations for genetic analysis and construct assembly.
  3. Experience in bioinformatics tasks, such as sequence analysis, primer design for PCR, genome analysis.
  4. Ability to write and implement new computer code.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • 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.

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06880

Help contact: qrush@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

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.

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Job location

Davis, CA