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Junior Specialist / Assistant Specialist - Cheng Lab

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Position description

This position provides technical, scientific and organizational assistance to Dr. Hao Cheng’s research and Department of Animal Science, which focuses on statistical and quantitative genetics. The research is designed to develop statistical methods, computational algorithms, and software tools for quantitative and statistical genetics. The research contributes to both the generation of fundamental knowledge about genetics/genomics and an improved understanding of the genome-phenome relationship.

Research
The Junior Specialist /Assistant Specialist will be required to actively coordinate, conduct, and oversee scientific research projects. The focus of this position is to develop software tools, statistical methods and computational algorithms for genomic selection and quantitative genetics. The ideal candidate should have some background in two or more of the following areas: statistics, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, or genomics. Skills and experience are needed in programming using one or more languages such as Julia, Python, R or C++. This position requires strong written, and verbal communications skills to interact professionally and effectively with faculty, staff, and students. The candidate must work equally well in interdisciplinary teams and independently.

The Junior Specialist/Assistant Specialist will not be required to assist the PI in study design but will be required to analyze data. Evaluate data and prepare tables and graphs for publication. Calculate statistics as needed using statistical tools. Draft reports and sections of publications and presentations. The Junior Specialist will be required to contribute to scholarly manuscripts by reviewing and commenting on draft manuscripts, literature searches, data collection and scoring, and helping to write methods or other sections. The Junior Specialist will review and conduct peer-reviewed literature searches relevant to scientific activities in the lab.

The Junior Specialist/Assistant Specialist will also take a lead in laboratory management including overseeing safety training and record keeping for the laboratory. Track and reconcile expenses in Excel spreadsheets. Maintain equipment and other tools used in the laboratory. Maintain computers, files, and programs with appropriate backup for all computers under supervision.

University and Public Service
The Junior Specialist/Assistant Specialist will participate in training activities, such as schedule, train and mentor undergraduate student assistants. Instruct and train visiting scholars, graduate students, staff, and volunteers.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• For Jr. Specialist: Bachelor’s degree in Statistics or related field; For Asst. Specialist: Master's degree in Statistics or related field or possession of a Bachelor's degree plus 3 or more years of research experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting scientific research including evidence of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and adaptability to special and changing needs of activities.
• Must speak and write fluent English.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary to work with a diverse team from different backgrounds and with varying skill levels for the purpose of assisting/teaching/supervising laboratory members and student researchers.

SALARY RANGE: 40% commensurate with qualifications and experience.

POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE: As openings occur, appointments are made contingent upon the availability of funding. For full consideration, completed applications must be submitted by 01/25/2019. If you would like to continue to be considered after that time you will need to submit a new application when a new position is posted.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Short-term, seasonal appointment based on the needs of the research project.

TO APPLY: To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF02584. Applicants should submit curriculum vitae. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Dr. Hao Cheng, qtlcheng@ucdavis.edu.

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, or gender.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter (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)

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