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Assistant Project Scientist, Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics

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Position description

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics at the University of California at Davis seeks to hire a full-time employee as an Assistant Project Scientist to perform research functions in the Diaz-Munoz Lab which studies the social lives of viruses, with a current focus on co-infection and reassortment in segmented viruses (cystoviruses and influenza viruses).

Research Activity
The successful candidate will work on an NIH-funded project that experimentally examines reassortment in human and avian influenza viruses using high-throughput sequencing. The work will involve experimental co-infections of influenza viruses in cell culture, plaque assays, RT-PCR, electrophoresis, total viral particle quantification, and next generation sequencing library preparation. The successful candidate will also contribute to data collection, data curation, analyses, drafting papers and research grants. While the position entails work on a specific project, creative contributions to the ongoing project and future offshoots are expected and encouraged.

The candidate will be able to lead complex research projects independently, in consultation with the PI and with the assistance of other members of the lab team. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as the lab is a diverse team in terms of scientific and personal backgrounds.

In coordination with the PI, the successful candidate will also be responsible for the management of the influenza virus-related aspects of the lab such as strain curation, ordering supplies/equipment, and training team members, among others.

Publication
The candidate will publish research in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team

Grant Acquisition and Professional Activity
The candidate will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field of Molecular Genetics and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups.

When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in virology, microbiology, molecular-cell biology, immunology or related fields

  • More than 5 years of research experience post-PhD (see postdoc ad if <5 yrs post-PhD)

  • The ability to work independently at a high level of competence on complex projects, as evidenced by leading projects resulting in peer-reviewed publications

  • Skills and a track record of trouble shooting and optimizing lab protocols

  • Experience with animal cell culture

  • Experience with animal virus culture and standard virology lab techniques

  • Experience working in BSL2 (or higher) containment and following all relevant laboratory safety regulations and guidelines

  • Experience with standard genetics lab techniques (e.g. RNA extraction, RT-PCR, PCR, electrophoresis)

  • Skills for accurate, complete, and neat record keeping and familiarity with principles of open data and reproducibility

Preferred Qualifications
(one or more)

  • Experience with influenza virus culture
  • Experience with single cell techniques
  • Molecular cloning or genetic engineering experience
  • Microscopy experience
  • Experience with RNA and protein detection techniques
  • Research or university-level coursework in evolution and ecology

POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE: all application materials must be received by July 15, 2017.

TO APPLY: To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF01623. Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing their specific qualifications for this position, and a curriculum vitae that includes the names and contact information for at least three references. Generic cover letters that do not address the specific qualifications for this position are not acceptable. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

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

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA