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NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide mentorship, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

Overview:
We aim to hire a Junior Specialist, Step 1 to with research interests in arachnid and insect systematics and phylogenetics. 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. Ability to maintain a solution-oriented attitude while troubleshooting is essential. The candidate should have an understanding of fundamental molecular systematic concepts as well as basic genetic principles. Technical skills required include DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and DNA quality assessment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Research (80%):
The incumbent of this position will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties:
• Assist with field sampling of insect and spider species. Assist with deployment and monitoring of pitfall, malaise, and other trapping techniques, and potentially long-term monitoring sites of trapdoor spider populations.
• Assist with lab specific tasks including DNA extraction and quality assessment, running agarose gels, and preparing samples for UCE processing.
• Assist with specimen processing including alcohol preserved and pinned specimen preparation; will also assist with specimen preparation for barcoding project.
• Assist the PI and other lab members with morphological data collection and imaging.
• Help organize and maintain protocols, field records, and data.
• Work closely with the Bohart Entomology Museum collection’s manager to work with undergraduate interns and museum volunteers in Specify database data specimen entry.

Professional competence (15%):
• The incumbent will present research, with possibilities at scientific meetings, regional entomology meetings, or national entomology meetings. The incumbent will deliver presentations in poster and/or oral formats.
• The incumbent will participate in/attend weekly lab meetings weekly meetings of the and weekly seminars in the Department of Entomology.
• The Junior Specialist will conduct literature searches for articles relevant to the research topic, engage in discussions of data with the Principal Investigators, and contribute to manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings.

University and Public Service (5%):
• As a public service, the incumbent will also be required to participate in outreach activities held as part of events hosted by the Bohart Museum of Entomology, the Department of Entomology and Nematology. This could include various events aimed to promote integrated pest management among California stakeholders.

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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• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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