Assistant Specialist - Richman Lab

University of California; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Richman Laboratory at UC Davis is recruiting a part-time Assistant Specialist to support specialized research in autoimmune disease models. The role emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, collaboration with researchers, and data management in ongoing projects related to myasthenia gravis models.

The position requires experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, antibody assays, tissue culture, immunohistochemistry, and animal handling, as well as strong verbal and written communication.

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, antibody assays, tissue culture, immunohistochemistry, and animal handling.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Part-time schedule with focus on specialized research activities.
• Assist in planning and execution of experiments and data management.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, design and execution of experiments and record results.
• Participate in lab meetings and discuss projects with staff.
• Engage with project investigators in publications, grant proposals, and reports.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students on lab operations.
• Organize study documents and enter data into online databases.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Antibody assays

Tissue culture

Immunohistochemistry

Animal handling

Oral communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Job description

The Richman Laboratory is recruiting a part-time Assistant Specialist position.

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 leadership, 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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (80% EFFORT)

Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving laboratory studies of animal models of myasthenia gravis and the development of new treatments of this and related autoimmune diseases. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed application to the individual project in specialized areas as documented by any of the following:

• A. Assist in planning, design and execution of experiments and scientific documentation and analysis of results
• B. Participate in lab meetings and discuss current/future projects with research faculty and staff
• C. Engage in activities with the Project Investigator such as peer-reviewed publications, grant proposals, research reports and talk/poster presentations
• D. Provide support to research staff
• E. Enter data into on-line databases
• F. Organize study documents.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)

• A. Participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to your specific field of neuroscience
• B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts and publications related to your area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% EFFORT)

• A. Attend discussions with collaborators such as weekly journal clubs, Neurology
  Grand Rounds, conferences and other relevant presentations
• B. Assist in the mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students on lab
  operations.

This recruitment is conducted at the Assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the Assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications. This position is part-time.

• The ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, antibody assays, tissue culture, immunohistochemistry, and animal handling
• Skill in oral and written communication.