Jr. Specialist - Tian Lab

The Tian Lab in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis seeks to fill a full-time position at the Junior Specialist level starting Fall 2024/Winter 2025. This position is for one year, with the possibility of renewal pending funding availability. The successful candidate will be responsible for the molecular, biochemical, and physiological characterization of CRISPR/Cas9-edited wheat plants. They will also analyze the expression of candidate genes involved in biochemical and physiological processes in tissues of tree crops collected from field experiments. Furthermore, they will carry out expression and purification of recombinant proteins in E. coli and enzyme assays as well as conduct transformation and propagations of hairy roots.

The successful candidate will have completed an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a related field, along with demonstrated experience working with plants within laboratory, growth chamber, greenhouse, and field settings. They will collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator, actively participating in experimental work, analyzing data, engaging in research discussions, and contributing to the preparation of research results for publication in scholarly journals and presentations at conferences; these will be accomplished by preparing data figures and tables as well as reviewing drafts of reports and manuscripts. The Junior Specialist will also provide essential support for student training, maintaining laboratory organization, and ensuring laboratory safety.

Per UCD-APM 330, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience as a Junior Specialist. Candidates who hold a Masters or Doctoral degree will be disqualified from this search.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

A. The Junior Specialist will collaborate closely with lab members to plan and execute experiments aimed at enhancing wheat nutritional traits, investigating phenolic biosynthesis and regulation, and understanding tree crops' environmental responses. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following research activities:

a. Performing molecular, biochemical, and physiological characterizations of wheat plants obtained through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.

b. Carrying out expression and purification of recombinant proteins in E. coli and enzyme assays. Conducting transformation and propagations of hairy roots.

c. Collecting and preparing samples as well as assessing changes in the expression of candidate genes in tree crops exposed to different environmental conditions and treatments.

B. The Junior Specialist will help maintain lab chemical inventory, maintain instrument, and coordinate waste pickups.

C. Contribute to the preparation of project reports and manuscripts for publication by preparing data figures and tables as well as reviewing drafts of reports and manuscripts.

D. Conduct literature reviews relevant to the research topic using electronic databases and perform data analysis independently.

E. Maintain a lab notebook for all research activities that aims to enhance wheat nutritional traits, investigates on phenolic biosynthesis and regulation, and the tree crops environmental responses.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. Assist in preparing posters and PowerPoint slides for seminar and conference presentations

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

A. The Junior Specialist will mentor undergraduate students on performing research protocols and data analysis

A. Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment).

B. Experience in molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extractions from plant tissues, as well as expression and purification of recombinant proteins in E. coli.

C. Experience in organizing experiments and collecting data in a research environment.

D. Proficiency in word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint.

E. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

F. Strong academic performance during undergraduate and/or graduate studies.

G. Proficiency in qRT-PCR and a strong background in plant growth and development.

H. Previous lab experience in biochemistry, plant sciences, gene editing, and plant genotyping and phenotyping.

I. A valid California driver's license is required, as occasional travel within California may be necessary for fieldwork and collaboration.

J. Skills in statistical analysis are strongly preferred for data analysis and interpretation.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

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