Junior Specialist - Kable Laboratory

Position overview

Salary range : A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 Step 1-$56,600 Step 2.

Application Window

Open date : August 2, 2024

Most recent review date : Monday, Aug 19, 2024 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date : Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 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

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The role of this position is to provide specialized expertise in (1) mouse experimentation, including dietary fiber content in the mouse diet, measurement of body weight and food consumed, and collection and preservation of mouse stool and tissues at necropsy for later DNA and RNA extraction and analysis, (2) the use of liquid handling robots, especially the epMotion series, for DNA extraction, and (3) use of QIIME2 for the analysis of 16S rRNA sequence data for dietary fiber and gut microbiome research projects in the lab of Dr.

Mary Kable at USDA, ARS, WHNRC located on the UC Davis campus and affiliated with the Department of Nutrition. The Junior Specialist will have the opportunity to have creative input into the design of and selection of experiments to meet the study objectives.

In general, 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 with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)

a. The Junior Specialist will use their academic and professional expertise to make scientific contributions to a research study and will have the opportunity to contribute to published research.

Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator, the Junior Specialist will collaborate with other research personnel as part of joint projects to understand how dietary components influence the gut microbiome, intestinal cells, and distal sites.

b. The Junior Specialist's responsibilities will include overseeing the research supplies needed, including of mice and mouse diets, processing of biological samples, especially mouse stool and intestinal tissue;

preparing mouse fecal and tissue samples for various assays; extracting DNA using the epMotion system; as well as analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing data using QIIME.

The Junior Specialist will also be responsible for routine quality checking and organization of results.

c. The Junior Specialist will draft tables and figures for scientific publications. Similarly, the candidate will participate in the drafting and revising of study manuscripts on an as needed basis.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

a. The Junior Specialist will participate in appropriate professional societies or groups in the field of nutrition, microbiology, or human health.

b. The Junior Specialist will organize the contributions to journal manuscripts and publications prior to submission and offer technical and creative contributions to the manuscript preparation.

c. 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%)

The Junior Specialist is expected to minimally participate in University service by mentoring students in the laboratory.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

required at time of application)

Bachelor degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Genetics, Microbiology or a related field with a minimum of one year experience in undergraduate laboratory research.

Experience performing DNA and RNA extraction and quality assessment

Preferred qualifications

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

• Experience in collection and preservation of mouse stool and tissues at necropsy
• Experience using a liquid handling robot, especially the epMotion series
• Experience using QIIME2 for the analysis of 16S rRNA sequence data

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter (Optional)

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.

Reference requirements

2-4 required (contact information only)

Apply link : https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF06641

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