Junior Specialist - Atwill Lab

Position Description

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 facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Junior Specialists do not have supervision responsibilities. Although the Specialist titles are expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member, the incumbent is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The incumbent will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it a Principal status.

Major Responsibilities and Designated Areas of Expertise

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (80% EFFORT)

This position requires creative contributions and collaborative development of an ongoing research program investigating the prevalence of foodborne, waterborne, airborne pathogens from different environmental matrix, such as feces, soil, sediment, surface water etc. The candidate will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator and collaborate with personnel affiliated with research activities, involving sample receiving, preparation for culture-dependent and culture-independent metagenomics, and other such laboratory duties as may arise. The candidate will help with bacteriological assays, such as enrichment, IMS, targeted bacteria isolation, and molecular characterization of bacterial isolates such as E. coli O157, Non-O157 STEC etc. obtained from multiple research projects in consultation with the laboratory manager. Responsibilities include proficiency with qPCR with Fast real-time 7500 PCR system and QuantStudio 3 real-time PCR, IMS (immunomagnetic separation) with Kingfisher DUO Prime. The candidate will follow standard operating procedures and maintain a clean and orderly working environment in the laboratory and will help or aid other lab members in the performance of their work.

Additionally, the position involves fieldwork and occasional overnight travel within the state to collect samples as required by project needs.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)

The candidate will assist with the preparation of manuscripts and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books, and other outlets in collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% EFFORT)

The Junior Specialist will participate in training activities with the lab. The candidate may mentor students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments.

Basic qualifications: (required at time of application)

* Previous laboratory experience

* Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Medical Microbiology

* Proficient with qPCR with Fast real-time 7500 PCR system and QuantStudio 3 real-time PCR, IMS with Kingfisher DUO Prime

* Experience investigating foodborne, waterborne, airborne pathogens from different environmental matrix, such as feces, soil, sediment, and surface water

• 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.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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.

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.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in 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.

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