Junior Specialist/Lowe-Power Lab

Position overview

Salary range : A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 at Step 1.

Application Window

Open date : September 10, 2024

Next review date : Tuesday, Oct 15, 2024 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Tuesday, Sep 2, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

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.

Position description

Research (90%)

This position provides technical, scientific, and organizational assistance to Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Power's research in the Department of Plant Pathology, which focuses on using molecular, genetic, genomic, and plant infection assays to understand pathogenic behavior and ecological success of Ralstonia wilt pathogens.

The direct lead for this position will be Dr. Nathalie Aoun.

The Junior Specialist will be required to perform diverse molecular methods, maintain accurate and organized datasets, and effectively allocate work time between diverse tasks (ability to multi-task and manage time is a must).

Resourcefulness, strong attention to detail, and the ability to adapt fluidly as research projects progress will be important for success.

Ability to maintain a solution-oriented attitude while troubleshooting is essential. They will be able to effectively communicate with a diverse array of colleagues in written and verbal form.

The Junior Specialist will be trained to grow and maintain plants (e.g. tomato, melon, pepper, eggplant) in controlled growth chamber conditions.

The Junior Specialist will infect plants with Ralstonia pathogens and carefully monitor symptom development. These assays require attention to detail and consistent watering of plants.

The junior specialist will play a major role in maintaining cleanliness of the growth chamber and properly disposing biohazard waste.

Additional job responsibilities will be assigned by Prof. Tiffany Lowe-Power and Dr. Nathalie Aoun. These may include cloning and genetic engineering of bacteria, performing bacterial growth assays, and analyzing genomics data.

The junior specialist is expected to actively growth their research skills by taking notes during training, referring to their notes, synthesizing new information into their understanding, reading manuals and troubleshooting guides, repeating protocols to hone their skill, and training others in the lab.

The Junior Specialist will learn to analyze data according to established protocols and assist in formatting data for presentations and publications.

They will learn to use statistical analysis software programs, including Graphpad Prism. They will keep detailed laboratory notes documenting benchtop and data analysis work.

As a full-time lab member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentoring (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory maintenance.

The Junior Specialist will assist lab members in consistent maintenance of lab equipment, and general upkeep of lab space.

They will improve the inventory of bacterial cryostocks. They will help ensure that supplies are well stocked, and order supplies as needed.

They will help keep track of chemical and safety records.

This is a 100% on site position. General work hours are Mon-Fri 8hrs / day. Occasional long hours and / or weekends will be required based on laboratory and department needs.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

a. The Junior Specialist will offer technical and creative contributions to the manuscript preparation.

b. The Junior Specialist will conduct literature searches for articles relevant to the research topic, engage in discussions of data with the Principal Investigators, and contribute to manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings.

University and Public Service (5%)

As a full-time lab member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentoring (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory maintenance.

The Junior Specialist will assist lab members in consistent maintenance of lab equipment, and general upkeep of lab space.

They will improve the inventory of bacterial cryostocks. They will help ensure that supplies are well stocked, and order supplies as needed.

They will help keep track of chemical and safety records.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

required at time of application)

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• BS in microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, plant science, or related field.
• Knowledge of microbiology techniques and terminology
• Previous laboratory or comparable experience
• Ability to bend, squat, crouching and to pull and lift up to 50 pounds

NOTE : The junior specialist rank is an entry level position; accordingly, it is inappropriate to hire applicants with advanced degrees in this field, or those with BS degrees and three years' relevant work experience

Preferred qualifications

other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and an interest in basic science; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• The ideal candidate will have skills to organize work activity, follow standard operating procedures with strict attention to detail, flexibility to adapt to a changing environment and workload, and work independently and efficiently in a high throughput laboratory under supervision to meet standard laboratory turnaround times.
• The ideal candidate will have the ability to complete job assignments in a timely manner to meet critical deadlines.
• Experience in basic laboratory practices including sterile technique, pipetting, preparing solutions and media.
• Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Word
• The candidate should understand fundamental microbiology concepts as well as basic genetic principles. Experience with DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, sterile technique, and microbiology are preferred.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter - Please answer the following prompts as your cover letter :

What was your major and why did you choose it?

What was your favorite college biology course, and why? (Community college and Bachelor's-granting universities considered)

200 words or less per question. Answers could include (1) your interest in the topic area (2) your career goals and / or (3) why you chose UC Davis.

Communication tip : Shorter answers that communicate your ideas clearly are stronger than long answers. Honest / thoughtful responses are the most important evaluation criteria)

Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion 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 statement and why one is requested.

Optional)

Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements

1-4 required (contact information only)

Apply link : https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF06711

Help contact : [email protected]

About UC Davis

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

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit : http : / / policy.ucop.edu / doc / 1001004 / Anti-Discrimination

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

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.

UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population.

Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision , our strategic plan : "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement , and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400 : Policy on University of California Diversity Statement .

UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution .

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their "Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.

There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings .

UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come .

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and / or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time.

Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Davis, CA