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 leadership, 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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

A. Follow IRB approved study protocols, working under direction from the PI and Senior Clinical Research Coordinator.
- Participate in research visits and procedures including administering informed consent, administering questionnaires and protocol-directed procedures, data collection, documentation, and data entry into study databases.

B. Coordinate laboratory maintenance tasks, including safety management, maintaining inventory of supplies, and managing lab waste.

C. Facilitate and monitor biological specimen collection from collection through processing and eventually accessioning in the freezers for long term storage.

D. Oversee all specimen-related activities for assigned studies including biobanking of specimens for use in future studies; preparing and labeling specimen collection kits, ensuring all clinical sites are adequately stocked with collection kits; receiving specimens from clinical sites; accessioning specimens in the LIMS system (Freezerworks) with relevant metadata, and ensuring specimen placement in appropriate freezers.

E. Conduct quality control, including testing and modifying standard operating procedures for specimen collection and processing, and conducting pilot studies of all assays to ensure high reproducibility before sending participant specimens for analysis.

F. Prepare specimens for shipping to external laboratories according to appropriate university guidelines.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (8% EFFORT)

A. Complete and maintain IRB required education, including CITI courses for Social & Behavioral Research and Good Clinical Practice.

B. Attend and participate in regular study meetings with the PI and study team where progress of the work will be discussed.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2% EFFORT)

A. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate, such as the annual Cancer Center Research Symposium.

B. Mentor and train undergraduate or student interns working with the study team.

The estimated salary range for a Junior Specialist is $26.35/hour at step one or $28.07/hour at step 2.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. The University will not offer sponsorship of a visa for this position.

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 is also a national leader in inclusive practice. 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.