Junior Specialist/Lowe-Power Lab

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.

Research (90%)

The Junior Specialist will be required to perform diverse molecular microbiology assays, maintain accurate and organized datasets, serve as the safety coordinator, purchase supplies for the lab, train undergraduate students to keep sterile consumable materials stocked for the lab. An 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 conduct microbiology, biochemistry, and microscopy assays to decipher the mechanisms enabling dormancy and survival during prolonged nutrient starvation and resuscitation when nutrients become available. The junior specialist might genetically engineer bacterial strains, depending on project need. The junior specialist might contribute to analysis of large datasets like RNAseq, pangenomes, DAP-Seq, or RB-TnSeq.

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.

* BS in microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology or related field.

* Knowledge of microbiology techniques and terminology

* Previous laboratory or comparable experience

* Experience working safely with regulated bacterial pathogens

* 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

* 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.

* Skilled in Excel, Microsoft Word, KBase, Graphpad Prism

* 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.

• 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.

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