Junior Specialist: FMR1 Expression Analyst - Hagerman Lab

The Hagerman Lab, within the Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for a 1 full-time Junior Specialist in the specialty field or subject area of genetics and/or molecular biology. Junior Specialist positions are short-term appointments, up to two-years.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in the planning and execution of research projects. The junior specialist may assist in data collection, entry and quality control, study design and implementation, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and

figure generation) for a particular project.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)
   The Junior Specialist will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), and other research personnel, on studies related to molecular analysis of FMR1. They will carry out technical and routine laboratory tasks necessary to support the research project(s) specialized in molecular biology and human genetics. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Assist with grant preparation

2) Actively contribute to publishable research by collecting and interpreting data 3) Review journal manuscripts and/or other related materials

4) Design and clone plasmids for pertinent research projects

5) Perform human cell culture with various cell types, including primary human fibroblasts and SK-N-MC cells.

6) Optimize the transfection of cells in culture with targeted plasmids or RNA constructs

7) Assess successful experiments by cell sorting and PCR, among other methods

8) Perform routine lab maintenance tasks, such as dish washing and autoclaving

9) Keep detailed records, store research notes and protocols in physical and/or online notebook/folders, and back them up to our secure communal folder such that future researchers can understand and use the data

1. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
   
   The incumbent will present research findings at weekly lab meetings and attend seminars and conferences, as appropriate, to disseminate their findings. Additionally, they will help prepare manuscript(s) to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals with the PI and other members of the research team and help prepare research reports for funding agencies.

2. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
   
   The Junior Specialist may be expected to mentor undergraduate research assistants who rotate through the lab. They will also be expected to actively participate in regular lab meetings, group discussions, and other relevant activities.

* Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or related field. Degree must be awarded before start date. Applicants with an M.S. or Ph.D. will not be considered, as this is an entry-level role.

* Minimum 1 year experience in laboratory research either before or after the degree. Applicants should have no more than 2 years of post-bachelor's laboratory research experience.

* Research experience in genetics

* Experience with human cell culture (cryorecovery, maintenance, and cryopreservation, seeding into dishes and plates of various well sizes, media preparation, and strong adherence to aseptic technique)

* Experience with cell transfection, particularly with Lipofectamine and HALA2

* Basic plasmid cloning, particularly with SnapGene software and NEBuilder HiFi DNA assembly master mix

* Experience with cell sorting, particularly following transfection with a fluorescent target

* Ability to perform PCR, qRT-PCR, and gel electrophoresis

* Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions

* Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills

* Excellent written and oral communication skills

* Interact with kindness and respect

* Previous research experience with FMR1-related disorders

* Plasmid extraction via column midiprep

* Experience with the SnapGene program

* Familiarity with Qiagen FastLane one-step cell to qPCR kits

* Knowledge of coding in R, Python, and/or Perl

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.

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 UC Davis 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

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