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Junior Specialist - Van Eenennaam's Lab

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Position description

This position provides technical, scientific and organizational assistance to Dr. Alison VanEenennaam’s research and extension program in the Department of Animal Science, which focuses on the research and education on the use of animal genomics and biotechnology in livestock production systems. The research is into the use of DNA-based biotechnologies in beef cattle production and agricultural systems. The research and extension activities contribute to 1) integrating DNA information into beef cattle production systems to provide beef cattle producers with the background information and research-derived data they need to make informed decisions about the use of DNA-technologies in the context of commercial cow-calf operations, and 2) the use of animal genomics and biotechnology in livestock production systems, including selection for disease resistance and applied uses of DNA-based information on commercial beef cattle operations.
Research
The Junior Specialist will be required to actively coordinate and conduct laboratory experiments in the field of genome-editing of bovine cells and embryos. Responsibilities will include the collection and transport of oocytes from a beef processing facility, cell culture, electroporation of mammalian cells, fluorescent microscopy, embryo culture, bacterial culture, bacterial transformations, plasmid purification, genomic DNA purification, RNA purification, PCRs, and DNA cloning. Requires ingenuity and resourcefulness in conducting laboratory experiments without supervision. The Junior Specialist will report research and study progress and summarize and interpret preliminary data for the PI.
The Junior Specialist will not be required to assist the PI in study design, but will be required to evaluate data and prepare tables and graphs for publication, review and comment on draft manuscripts, perform literature searches and help to write methods sections.
University and Public Service
The Junior Specialist will participate in extension activities including the Animal biotechnology booth at the UC Davis annual picnic day. They will also instruct and train volunteers in laboratory procedures.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Science with a major in biological sciences, or related field
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Demonstrated experience conducting scientific research including evidence of ingenuity, and resourcefulness.
• Must speak and write fluent English
• At least one year’s experience working in an animal biotechnology lab conducting genome-editing research in bovine oocytes.
• Willingness and interest to learn new techniques and to work with cattle
• Demonstrated computer skills in word processing and data analysis. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary to work with a diverse team from different backgrounds and with varying skill levels for the purpose of assisting laboratory members in research protocols.
• Ability to conduct library and database searches and synthesize acquired knowledge effectively in writing and apply it to research processes.
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs and carry short distances.
• Ability to work outdoors for up to 4 hours/day in summer and winter as needed.
• Availability to work on nights/evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing techniques
• Experience cloning DNA
• Published in the field of genome-editing of bovine embryos
• 1+ years experience with all the tasks described here within.

SALARY RANGE: Step I- $3,291.67 or Step II-$3,508.33 monthly commensurate with qualifications and experience.
POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE: As openings occur, appointments are made contingent upon availability of funding. For full consideration, completed applications must be submitted by 7/7/19.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT: One year at 100% starting 10/1/19.
TO APPLY: To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF02925. Applicants should submit cover letter, curriculum vitae. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide three letters of recommendation.
QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Dr. Alison VanEenennaam, alvaneenennaam@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, 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/dod4000376/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 & tobacco-free campus (http://breathfree.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 Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 letters of reference required
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