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The Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Junior Specialist position.

The Immature Gut Biology Group (Department of Pediatrics) is seeking a qualified Junior Specialist for research technical support. The combined research efforts of Drs. Geoanna Bautista and Steven McElroy are focused on the developing and immature intestine, specifically in the context of injury and repair mechanisms in the setting of prematurity and neonatal gut pathologies such as gastroschisis in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This position will be primarily involved in Dr. Bautista’s research that is focused ion channel signaling mechanisms that are impaired in utero leading to disruption and dysregulation of normal gut development, which results in postnatal gut dysmotility and dysfunction. Dr. Bautista uses in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro approaches using transgenic and experimental mouse models. Through various collaborations, she also utilizes fetal/neonatal lamb models and surgically obtained human tissue specimens to better understand the normal and abnormal processes driving pathology unique to the neonate. The long-term goal of the lab is to better understand the mechanisms by which the immature or impaired development of the small intestine predisposes the development of NEC, a devastating and deadly disease affecting neonates.

The Jr. Specialist will have some experience in molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, microscopy, tissue culture, and mouse handling. Qualified candidates for this position will possess the academic knowledge and the ability to translate, adapt, and apply the knowledge generally associated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology or a related discipline. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and an interest in basic science; as well as the ability to work well independently, work as part of a team and promote a diverse workforce in an academic environment. The Jr. Specialist will be flexible and adaptable, open to learning/developing competencies in new technologies, and committed to the overall goals of the lab.

The main lab is in the Research II building on the Sacramento Medical Center campus; however, this position will require spending several days a week at the main UC Davis campus (Tupper Hall) where the candidate will independently perform specific techniques such as wire myography, gut motility assays and live calcium imaging available at the labs of Drs. Fernando Santana and Manuel Navedo. The Jr. Specialist will work under the supervision of several postdocs, graduate students and SRAs but will report to Dr. Bautista. Candidates should be aware that occasional after hours work may be required.

Research (80%):
• Contribute to translational/basic science research projects and towards the growth of the entire team.
• Generate illustrative graphics that depict results.
• Develop and optimize protocols and experimental models.
• Manage datasets, records, and detailed research documentation, maintain up-to-date information of all experiments conducted.
• Handle live mice (oral gavage, intraperitoneal injections) and perform necropsies to obtain tissue and cells for further processing.
• Independently perform ex vivo and in vitro assays including wire myography, cell dissociations, western blots, extraction, PCR/RT-PCR.
• Develop proficiency in immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and use of advanced imaging modalities (widefield fluorescence, confocal and multiphoton microscopy), independently performing imaging analysis using ImageJ/Fiji/Imaris.
• Maintain laboratory equipment (e.g. balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, cryostat, and laminar flow hoods).
• Ensure laboratory supplies are well stocked, and laboratory work areas are kept clean and free of potential contamination issues.
• Update/ modify standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.
• Assist individual investigators in the archiving of data, preparation of basic data summaries, and preparing and submitting manuscripts as needed.
• Other related jobs assigned by supervisor.

Professional Competence (10%):
• Participation in Pediatrics and Physiology and Membrane Biology presentations/symposiums, professional/technical societies and conferences.
• Perform comprehensive literature review of journal manuscripts relevant to the current study or technical protocol being optimized.
• Additional education, workshops or training as related to the lab’s research priorities.

University and Public Service (10%):
• Engage in committee service for lab safety, animal care, facilities, and mentorship of volunteer students.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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