Junior Specialist: Developmental Neuroscience - Simo/La Torre Lab

The Simo Lab and La Torre Labs at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, are recruiting for a one (1) full-time, Junior Specialist(s) in the field of developmental neuroscience. 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 developmental neuroscience. They will carry out technical and routine laboratory tasks necessary to support the research project(s) in specialized areas. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

* The selected candidate is expected to work closely with the principal investigator and other lab members on research projects related to neuronal development, neuron migration, and nervous system morphogenesis. The candidate will plan and execute experiments including maintaining and breeding mice, collect samples, perform immunohistological assays, image and record data, and genotyping. The candidate will also play a key role in animal inventory and care, maintaining lab supplies, and general laboratory organization.

* The candidate is expected to actively communicate with the PI to design, execute, and analyze data from research projects the candidate is directly involved with. Moreover, the candidate is expected to review and be up to date with scientific literature related to their project from appropriate journals, including but not limited to: Development, Neuron, Nature Neuroscience, and Developmental Cell.

* The candidate will participate in weekly lab meetings, departmental seminars such as Research in Progress seminars, and other relevant research seminars on campus. In these meetings, the candidate will: present their own research results or recent research journal articles relevant to the projects and/or engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results.

1. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
   
   In a later stage of employment, the candidate is expected to attend and present data in regional conferences or retreats with the topics on developmental neurobiology. Additionally, the candidate will assist the PI in reviewing research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to the area of expertise.

2. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
   
   The Simo and La Torre labs have several undergraduate researchers and the incumbent will provide mentorship to these undergraduate students.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: (The basic qualifications must be evaluable from the CV and/or Cover Letter.)

* Bachelor's Degree in Neurobiology, Cell 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 of 3-month 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 PCR-based genotyping, histological techniques, shRNA cloning, cell culture, microscopy and western blotting is required.

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

* Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills

* Excellent written and oral communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Experience using cell-based assays to study the role of miRNAs during developmental biology is preferred.

• 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.

• "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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, 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.

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 or 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.

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