Recruit

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Junior Specialist will contribute to research projects investigating the bioactivities of two milk proteins, lactoferrin and lysozyme, their interactions, and recombinant forms produced via precision fermentation. The role involves work with both in vivo and in vitro models. Primary responsibilities include laboratory research, data collection and analysis, assistance with research planning, and general lab support.

In general, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.

Major responsibilities:

I. Research (95%):

Research activities:
Collaborate with and/or assist the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team with study design, implementation, and the conduct of research on the bioactivities of lactoferrin and lysozyme using both in vitro and in vivo models. Create and maintain research project databases. Conduct statistical analyses and summarize findings for progress reports, manuscripts, and grant applications. Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and other scholarly outputs in collaboration with the PI.

Laboratory activities:
Assist in the development and optimization of experimental protocols. Conduct a range of laboratory procedures, including protein isolation (from bovine and human milk), cell culture, microbiological culture, and bioactivity assays (e.g., lysozyme activity, cell proliferation and differentiation assays, iron saturation testing). Perform animal care and sample collection in compliance with established protocols. Coordinate with IACUC and other regulatory entities to support the preparation and submission of project approvals. Maintain documentation to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements. Communicate approved protocols to team members and regulatory personnel. Provide logistical and technical support to interns and undergraduate researchers under the direction of senior lab personnel.

II. Professional Competency and Activity (5%):
Summarize and present research findings at lab meetings and professional conferences. Stay informed about developments in the field and engage in relevant scientific discourse.

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.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state for federal law.

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 creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in 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.
UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

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.