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Junior Specialist - Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science

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Position description

Junior Specialist Position
Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science
UC Davis School of Medicine

The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at the UC Davis School of Medicine is seeking a full-time Junior Specialist. The purpose of this position is to provide support, coordination and leadership for research studies of Dr. Ala Moshiri. The position requires an individual with a background in molecular and cell biology and experience with studying mechanisms of retinal photoreceptor function in both in vitro and animal models. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently. The incumbent will also be expected to analyze and prepare data for both oral presentations and publications in scientific journals.

The incumbent will participate in genotyping and maintaining multiple mouse colonies, DNA isolation, PCR, tissue extraction as well as staining slides with antibodies (immunohistochemistry). The incumbent will also be involved with tissue culture, DNA/RNA preps, qPCR, and other assays depending on the project. Along with research, the incumbent will also help with lab maintenance. This includes staying compliant with safety standards and inspections, ordering lab supplies, as well as completing paperwork. He/She will prepare manuscripts for publications in collaboration with the principal investigator. Manuscript preparation will include reviewing relevant literature, describing methods and results used to acquire the data, presenting and analyzing data retrieved, constructing clear and informative figures, interpreting the results and discussing how the fit in the current understanding of the field.

Depending on the interest and availability of funds, the Junior Specialist will have opportunities to present research findings to a larger audience at scientific conferences or meetings. The incumbent will also assist the principal investigator in presenting progress reports and final summaries to granting agencies as well as lab meetings with other investigators.

The Junior Specialist will be in charge of recruiting and training undergraduate students from UC Davis. They will actively contribute to lab activities through staff meetings and presentations to colleagues and researchers from various scientific communities.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology or a related field with a minimum of one year experience in undergraduate laboratory research, a demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions and communicate ideas, in addition to the ability to work occasional weekend hours for management of experiments. Preferred qualifications include computer science or programming skills and experience with lab animal handling.

For full consideration, applications must be received by March 5, 2018; however, the position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2018. Qualified applicants should apply online at UC Recruit: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF02013. Applicants should submit cover letter, curriculum vitae and up to 3 letters of recommendations. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Please direct questions to Joe F. Valadez, Jr. @ jvaladez@ucdavis.edu.

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.

For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct. 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 and 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

  • 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 letters of reference required
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis, CA