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In direct collaboration with the Principal Investigator(s) and under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Design to Data (D2D) program, this Junior Specialist position supports the SPRINT (Scalable Protein Research for INnovative Training) initiative, a national biomanufacturing workforce development and research program.

This position is designed as an entry-level, post-baccalaureate training role for individuals preparing for graduate study or advanced research careers. The Junior Specialist will contribute to laboratory operations, protocol development, reagent preparation, and coordination activities that support both on-campus instructional laboratories and a distributed national research network. The role includes structured mentoring, professional development, and opportunities to contribute to publications and conference presentations.

Research and Program Operations (75%)

The Junior Specialist will support and participate in laboratory and research activities that enable standardized protein engineering workflows across the D2D/SPRINT network.

Primary responsibilities include:

· Perform molecular biology reagent preparation and support mutagenesis workflows; assist in evaluating and piloting alternative cloning and assembly strategies (e.g., Golden Gate Assembly and related methods) suitable for use by undergraduates and novice faculty in the D2D Network. Prepare, aliquot, quality-control, and document additional research-grade reagents used in protein production and purification, and enzyme assay workflows.

· Maintain D2D laboratory readiness, including preparing and maintain stock reagents/consumables, ordering, inventory tracking, and general lab organization, ensuring the D2D laboratory at UC Davis Genome Center serves as a reliable pilot site for national D2D implementation.

· Serve as a primary contributor to network protocol documentation, including drafting, revising, and improving procedures in the D2D laboratory manual (100+ pages), incorporating feedback from instructors, students, and partner institutions.

· Support validation and testing of new workflows, enzyme systems, or instructional modules prior to network-wide deployment by assisting graduate students developing new methods for the project, acting as an assistant and trainee while building independent technical and organizational skills.

· Coordinate and execute shipment of biological materials (e.g., ssDNA, cells, reagents) to collaborators, maintaining detailed shipment records and compliance with institutional and carrier requirements.

· Assist with the coordination and tracking of vendor/network support awards, including ordering supplies/small equipment and ensuring delivery to partner institutions.

Teaching, Mentoring, and Coordination (10%)

The Junior Specialist will contribute to instructional and mentoring activities under supervision, gaining experience in research leadership and coordination.

Responsibilities include:

· Support on-campus instructional laboratories participating in D2D/SPRINT, including BIS150 (incoming transfer students) by preparing weekly lab materials and ensuring instructors and TAs have required resources.

· Assist with in-class or pre-class laboratory setup as needed to support course delivery.

· In later phases of the appointment, assist with coordination of a small undergraduate student team, initially in a co-supervisor or co-pilot role under close mentorship.

· Participate in laboratory meetings, planning discussions, and program coordination activities.

Professional Competence and Development (10%)

Consistent with the Junior Specialist series, the position includes structured professional development.

Activities may include:

· Participation in mentoring and training activities related to research methods, laboratory management, and scientific communication.

· Opportunities to contribute to manuscripts, reports, or curriculum-related publications, in collaboration with supervisors.

· Opportunities to present project developments at scientific or education-focused conferences, as appropriate and funded.

· Development of mentoring, documentation, and coordination skills relevant to graduate study and research-intensive careers.

University and Public Service (5%)

· Contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment through participation in meetings, training activities, and shared program responsibilities.

· Assist with onboarding and support of faculty, students, and partners engaged in the D2D/SPRINT program.

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

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