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Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Junior Specialist - Chen lab

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Position description

POSITION DESCRIPTION – Junior Specialist

NATURE AND PURPOSE
Dr. Hongwu Chen’s laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis, School of Medicine, focuses on one major research area in the development of novel therapeutics targeting members of the epigenetic regulators and nuclear receptor proteins in cancer. Current and upcoming studies will further develop small molecule inhibitors targeting the regulators and receptors for potential use as effective and safe cancer therapeutics. Our current line of investigation is evaluating the inhibitors’ pharmacological properties and their potential toxicities.

We are currently recruiting for a candidate who has specific knowledge and prior successful working experience in the area of pharmacological and toxicology research of small molecule inhibitors of the epigenetic regulators and nuclear receptors.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1) RESEARCH

•Assist in the design and performance of experiments to evaluate the pharmacological and toxicity properties of the regulator and receptor-specific inhibitors using cell culture and animal models.
•Analyze data obtained from the experiments and work closely with the PI to review and make recommended revisions.
•Actively contribute to manuscript writing (e.g. results description and discussion) for publication of the data obtained from the experiments and assays performed.
•For grant acquisition, actively participate in and contribute to study designs in the relevant area of cancer therapeutics development.

2) Professional Competence
• Be highly competent in performing experiments and analysis of data obtained by the incumbent using the current approach and strategy in cancer therapeutics development, as demonstrated by recent success and experience such as analysis of the efficacy of newly developed, small-molecular therapeutics targeting the nuclear receptors RORs, using in vitro and in vivo methods such as binding affinity assays, PK, toxicity assessment, EC50, IC50 and anti-tumor efficacy.
• Be proficient in presenting and communicating studies and findings in attending scientific meetings such as the annual meeting or the specific topics meetings or workshops (e.g. Translational Cancer Research, Molecular Targets, and/or Cancer Therapeutics) of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
• Expected to participate in professional societies such as the AACR.

3) University and Public Service
Participate in training local high school students in doing experiments related to cancer therapeutics development (including explaining the experiments and teaching/demonstrating the experimental procedures). One of the local high schools is Sacramento Charter High School located in the Medical Center neighborhood. The PI (Dr. H. Chen) and his department (MED: Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine) has been participating in providing trainings to the Sac High students recently.

Basic Qualifications:
A bachelor degree in the areas of pharmacological sciences.

Experience in the area of pharmacological and toxicology research of small
molecule inhibitors of the epigenetic regulators and nuclear receptors.

The experimental design will require strong prior knowledge in the target proteins and their therapeutic targeting and strong capability in critical thinking and creative use of relevant knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications:
Some classroom experience in literature, laboratory, and/or field research is strongly preferred.

For full consideration applications must be received by November 6, 2017; however the position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2018. Qualified candidates must apply online at UC Recruit: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF01872. Please upload your CV and contact information for 2-3 professional references.
To learn more about the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at UC Davis, please visit http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/biochem/
UC Davis commits to inclusion excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.
UC Davis is a smoke & tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

  • 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
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Sacramento, CA