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Junior Specialist

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Position description

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist.

A position is available to assist in laboratory duties and research in an epigenetics laboratory in the department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the UC Davis School of Medicine. Research will focus on epigenetic investigations of autism spectrum disorders and possible transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation. The primary duty of the applicant will be to organize and manage the lab animal colonies housed in the Tupper Hall TRACS facility MS1A. These tasks will include the daily monitoring of multiple genetic strains, weaning of rodents, cutting tails for DNA samples, isolation of DNA and protein from tissue, genotyping by quantitative and regular PCR and analysis of proteins by Western blot analysis. A major part of the job will therefore be trouble shooting of PCR assays, DNA isolation protocols and Western blot assays. The candidate must perform daily documentation of work in a laboratory notebook and demonstrate meticulous database management of rodent colonies. The applicant will be required to dissect rodents for tissue collection and sample processing as well as collect blood from live rodents. The candidate will participate in performing or assisting in experiments to generate data and perform data analysis, and will receive training by post‐doctoral fellows, senior researchers, and the principal investigator in order to participate in the design, collection, and interpretation of data by looking at the data gathered from the experiment that has produced the data and evaluate the information in order to consult with the PI and senior researchers. Additional duties include tasks such as organizing sample information into spreadsheets, analysis of data under supervision as well as placing and tracking orders of lab reagents. Prior experience in rodent handling, rodent colony maintenance, DNA isolation, genotyping by PCR and placing orders using the UCD buys system is required as well as training in institutional policies and procedures regarding animal care. The candidate will be expected to attend lab meetings and when appropriate, will present data to their laboratory peers and will contribute to scholarly articles by providing their research findings, data, and write-ups on the work performed and may participate in writing manuscript portions in relation to their research findings. The candidate will review scholarly literature to improve or learn about methods for the project that are needed for ongoing projects and will participate in local conferences and joint lab meetings. The candidate will also provide University/public service by providing support in the over maintenance of the shared equipment in the laboratory and mentor undergraduate students in work and data analysis.

Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least 2 years of prior laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Coursework and direct work experience with rodents as well as course work and direct work experience with genetic and molecular biology techniques. Computer skills pertaining to scientific data entry and database management such as Microsoft Excel are preferred. The candidate should have experience in developing or adapting experimental tools and assays. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team and will exhibit a professional approach to work and attention to detail.

Salary Range: Step I - $18.26 per hour or Step II - $19.48 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For full consideration, qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, CV or resume, and contact information for at least three references by June 21, 2018. This position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2019. As openings occur, appointments are made contingent upon availability of funding. Documents/materials may be submitted as PDF files via https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF02229.

The term of the appointment is short term, based on the needs of the research project. Appointments may be made up to 100%.

Please direct any questions to April Adams at aadams@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. If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

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 at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu)
Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field with at least 2 years of prior laboratory experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Coursework and direct work experience with rodents as well as course work and direct work experience with genetic and molecular biology techniques. Computer skills pertaining to scientific data entry and database management such as Microsoft Excel are preferred. The candidate should have experience in developing or adapting experimental tools and assays. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team and will exhibit a professional approach to work and attention to detail.

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