RECRUITMENT PERIOD

Open date: May 21, 2021

Last review date: May 31, 2022

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: May 31, 2022

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

DESCRIPTION

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise
(e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and
execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains
technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the
Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with
colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not
have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in
preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three
basic criteria outlined below.
It will be necessary to occasionally work odd hours as necessary to conduct pre-scheduled lab works and meet
deadlines. 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.

I. Essential Responsibilities (90%)

A. Assist with research activities involving molecular and cell biology, animal research and epigenomic research by working closely with the senior research team, under the direction of the PI and laboratory manager. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas:
  • Follow established protocols and perform molecular and cellular techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR, pyrosequencing, qPCR, plasmid cloning, ELISA, western blotting, ChIP-seq, flow cytometry, etc
  • Maintain cell culture and perform experiments following protocols.
  • Maintain mice colonies and assist in the establishment of animal models.
  • Characterize mouse models, including measuring airway hyperresponsiveness, collecting Bronchoalveolar Lavage cells, collecting tissues (lungs, spleens, etc.).
  • Acquire biological specimens at necropsy of rhesus monkeys (bronchial epithelial cells, etc.).
  • Perform sample processing and assist with characterization of histology.
  • Assist with management of undergraduate research assistants.
  • Facilitate graduate students’ and postdoc’s research projects.
  • Contribute to the drafting/editing of manuscripts, grant proposals, and research reports.

B.Perform data collection and data management including, but not exclusive to the following:

  • Collect molecular and cellular data from cell culture and animal models
  • Assist with epigenomic data collection from cell culture and animal models.
  • Perform statistical analysis on quantitative data.
  • Manage collected data, insuring robust backup systems are in place.
  • Prepare solutions, medias, and buffers as needed.
  • Use laboratory equipment including pyrosequencer, thermocycler, microscopes, centrifuges, Flexivent, etc.
  • Clean equipment and lab spaces.
  • Maintain laboratory and animal records.
  • Assistance with maintenance of equipment and supplies.
  • Participate in group meetings.
II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY
(5% EFFORT)
    A. The candidate will be expected to actively contribute to all lab meetings, and will present to that same forum on the research progress made
    B. The candidate will attend seminars and may present research results and is encouraged to interact with professional interest groups.
III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE
(5% EFFORT)
    A. Participate in mentoring undergraduate students
    B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate
Physical Demands
  • Perform diversified tasks the may often require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping or
  • Manual and visual dexterity to perform all duties with emphasis on attention to detail and the operation and maintenance of equipment is
  • Perform assigned duties in BioSafety Level 2 conditions where non-human primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B
  • Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, lab coats, gloves, masks, face shields, and head and shoe
  • Be able to lift and move at least 50 lbsWork Environment
Work Environment
  • Measles vaccination or proof of illness This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
  • Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, , and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements.
  • Must be willing to perform assigned duties in a BioSafety Level (BSL) 2 or 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV or Herpes B virus; working area is located within a defined animal area and may include
  • Work in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are
  • Required to wear protective clothing in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
  • Work occasional Work occasional weekends and holidays.
  • Provide after hours, weekend and holiday emergency support as
  • UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
  • California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related biological sciences field.
  • A minimum of 2 year of experience working in a research lab.
  • Knowledge and skills in the field of molecular biology and genome research.
  • Knowledge of Scientific Terminology and ability to synthesize publically available medical literature.
  • Analytical ability sufficient to compare data; mathematical ability sufficient to perform algebraic calculations and statistical analysis.
  • Capable of understanding and following verbal and written instructions.
  • Demonstrate high clerical accuracy, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and an independent work initiative.
  • Able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures.
  • Able to identify mistakes and discuss resolution plan.
  • Attention to the veracity of results.
  • Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
  • Capable of meeting time demands necessary to execute experiments.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with animal models and mammalian tissue culture.
  • Some bioinformatic skills, experience with computing equipment including Macintosh and PC operating systems, Word, Excel, and statistical analysis programs, among others.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, taking initiative, making critical decision and communication of ideas.