Junior Specialist: Developmental Neuroscience - Simo/La Torre Lab

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Simo Lab and La Torre Labs at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, are recruiting for a full-time Junior Specialist in developmental neuroscience. This entry-level position is a short-term appointment with a duration of up to two years.

The Junior Specialist will work closely with the PI to plan and execute research projects, perform routine and advanced laboratory tasks, and contribute to data collection, literature reviews, and preparation of manuscripts and conference

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Neurobiology, Cell Biology or related field (degree before start date).
• Minimum of 3 months of lab research experience; max 2 years post-bachelor experience.
• Experience with PCR-based genotyping, histology, shRNA cloning, cell culture, microscopy, and western blotting.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute research projects in developmental neuroscience with PI guidance.
• Assist in data collection, entry, quality control, and analysis for manuscripts and presentations.
• Review literature and stay up-to-date with relevant journals (Development, Neuron, Nature Neuroscience).
• Present data in weekly lab meetings and seminars; contribute to discussions and interpretation of results.

Skills

PCR-based genotyping

Histology techniques

shRNA cloning

Cell culture

Microscopy

Western blotting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Neurobiology or related field

Job description

The Simo Lab and La Torre Labs at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, are recruiting for a one (1) full-time, Junior Specialist(s) in the field of developmental neuroscience. Junior Specialist positions are short-term appointments, up to two-years.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in the planning and execution of research projects. The junior specialist may assist in data collection, entry and quality control, study design and implementation, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and figure generation) for a particular project.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)

The Junior Specialist will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), and other research personnel, on studies related to developmental neuroscience. They will carry out technical and routine laboratory tasks necessary to support the research project(s) in specialized areas. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The selected candidate is expected to work closely with the principal investigator and other lab members on research projects related to neuronal development, neuron migration, and nervous system morphogenesis. The candidate will plan and execute experiments including maintaining and breeding mice, collect samples, perform immunohistological assays, image and record data, and genotyping. The candidate will also play a key role in animal inventory and care, maintaining lab supplies, and general laboratory organization.
• The candidate is expected to actively communicate with the PI to design, execute, and analyze data from research projects the candidate is directly involved with. Moreover, the candidate is expected to review and be up to date with scientific literature related to their project from appropriate journals, including but not limited to: Development, Neuron, Nature Neuroscience, and Developmental Cell.
• The candidate will participate in weekly lab meetings, departmental seminars such as Research in Progress seminars, and other relevant research seminars on campus. In these meetings, the candidate will: present their own research results or recent research journal articles relevant to the projects and/or engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results.

1. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT) In a later stage of employment, the candidate is expected to attend and present data in regional conferences or retreats with the topics on developmental neurobiology. Additionally, the candidate will assist the PI in reviewing research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to the area of expertise.

2. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT) The Simo and La Torre labs have several undergraduate researchers and the incumbent will provide mentorship to these undergraduate students.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Neurobiology, Cell Biology or related field. Degree must be awarded before start date. Applicants with an M.S. or Ph.D. will not be considered, as this is an entry-level role.
• Minimum of 3-month experience in laboratory research either before or after the degree. Applicants should have no more than 2 years of post-bachelor’s laboratory research experience.
• Research experience in PCR-based genotyping, histological techniques, shRNA cloning, cell culture, microscopy and western blotting is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills