Junior Specialist/Nino Lab

Junior Specialist Position Description in the Nino Lab

Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide mentorship, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

Overview:

We seek to hire a Junior Specialist, Step 1, to conduct research in honey bee health, Varroa mite control, and virus mitigation strategies. The Junior Specialist will contribute to multiple projects examining molecular, nutritional, and RNA interference (RNAi)-based approaches to improve honey bee resilience. Primary duties will include assisting with molecular biology procedures (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning), preparing and processing bee, mite, and diet samples, maintaining and monitoring caged-bee survival and feeding trials, and supporting Varroa mite bioassays. The Junior Specialist will also assist with data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis, contribute to manuscript preparation, and help maintain general laboratory operations. Additional expectations include participation in lab meetings and departmental seminars. Work hours may be flexible as needed to accommodate experimental schedules and the care of live insects.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Research (90%):

The incumbent of this position will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities through the following roles and duties:

* Assist the PI by performing molecular biology procedures including nucleic acid extractions (DNA/RNA), PCR, qPCR, cloning, and gel electrophoresis to support projects focused on honey bee health, Varroa mite control, and virus mitigation strategies.

* Prepare samples from honey bees, mites, and experimental diets for downstream molecular analyses; maintain detailed sample records and organize datasets for PI review.

* Assist the PI in designing, executing, and maintaining laboratory-based honey bee bioassays, including caged-bee survival studies, feeding trials, and Varroa mite experiments.

* Contribute to studies testing RNA interference (RNAi) approaches, antiviral candidates, and nutritional supplements by preparing treatments, monitoring bioassays, and collecting data at scheduled intervals.

* Maintain a well-organized lab notebook documenting experimental designs, results, and sample metadata, and share lab notebook information with the PI during regular meetings (approximately every 1-2 weeks).

* Adhere to biosafety, animal care, and chemical safety guidelines, including proper handling of live bees, mites, and molecular biology reagents, and ensure compliance with all SOPs.

* Assist the PI in preliminary data processing and statistical analysis using software such as Excel, R, or GraphPad Prism.

* Contribute to figure preparation, literature review, and writing of methods and results sections for manuscripts and presentations.

* Support general laboratory operations, including inventory management, preparation of reagents, and coordination of shared tasks such as equipment checks, waste disposal, and safety inspections.

* Work collaboratively with other members of the research team, including collaborating PIs, students and visiting scientists, and participate in data discussions to improve experimental design and interpretation. Assist with collaborative research projects.

* On some occasions, an irregular schedule (i.e; weekends, holidays) may be necessary based on experiment timelines and living bees, but weekly hours will not exceed those scheduled for a particular pay period.

Professional Competence (5%)

* Participate in weekly lab meetings and contribute to discussions on experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.

* Attend departmental seminars and relevant symposia on entomology, molecular biology, or pollinator health to stay current with the field.

* Engage with scientific literature to inform research directions and contribute to hypothesis generation.

University and Public Service (5%)

* As a component of university service, be available to serve on departmental committees or help with outreach events when appropriate.

* Contribute to public service by helping prepare research updates for presentations at stakeholder meetings, beekeeper field days, and extension events.

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Department: https://entomology.ucdavis.edu/

This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree (Biology, Entomology, Ecology, or similar field).

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.

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. They will also have strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.

Other preferred, but not required, qualifications are:

* Experience rearing and optimizing rearing of insects

* Experience with greenhouse and/or growth chamber plant/insect studies

* Experience with insect identification

* Experience conducting field research, research in agricultural systems, and sampling insect populations

* Experience inputting and managing data, including the use of Excel, R, or similar

* Willing and capable of driving to and working in outdoor, sometimes distant, agricultural locations in hot weather. Night and weekend hours associated with research may occasionally be required .

• 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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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 for federal law.

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