Junior Specialist-Fink/Halmai Lab

University of California; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California Davis, Department of Neurology, is recruiting a full-time Junior Specialist to study genetic neurological disorders and gene therapy. The role involves close collaboration with the PI to plan and execute research projects, data collection, and manuscript preparation under supervision.

The incumbent will gain experience in in vivo mouse studies, cloning, vector packaging, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and molecular analyses, contributing to

Qualifications

• Research experience in genetics, gene therapy, animal modeling.
• Experience in a research lab or using RT-qPCR, Western Blot, PCR, and microscopy.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make decisions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute specific research project(s) in collaboration with the PI.
• Assist in data collection, entry, quality control, and study design.
• Perform cloning and vector packaging as needed.
• Conduct cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry on mouse brains.
• Image and analyze mouse tissue with high-content microscopy and high-resolution imaging.
• Isolate DNA/RNA/protein and perform downstream analyses (RT-qPCR, Western blot).
• Review journal manuscripts and related literature.

Skills

Genetics

Gene therapy

Animal modeling

Independent work

Time management

Scientific writing

Tools

RT-qPCR

Western blot

PCR

Microscopy

Cryosectioning

Immunohistochemistry

Job description

The Department of Neurology at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full-time Junior Specialist(s) in the area of genetic neurological disorders and gene therapy.

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 a research project. 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.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Drs. Kyle Fink and Julian Halmai and have the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

I. RESEARCH (90% Effort)

A. The incumbent will collaborate with other research personnel affiliated with research activities involving the in vivo study of genetic neurological conditions using transgenic mice. The junior specialist will perform technical/routine lab activities required to accomplish the research project in specialized areas. Specific duties may include:

1. Effectively plan and execute specific research project(s).
2. Perform cloning and vector packaging.
3. Perform cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry from mouse brains.
4. Perform imaging and analysis of mouse tissue using both high content microscopy and high-resolution imaging
5. Perform molecular isolation of DNA/RNA/protein from mouse tissue and perform appropriate downstream analysis (RT-qPCR, Western Blot) under the supervision of the PI.
6. Review journal manuscripts and/or other related to the specialized area of expertise.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort)

The appointee will be expected to actively participate in the dissemination of information at the Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Seminar Series, the Fink and Halmai lab meetings, participate and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs and other activities, as applicable.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% Effort)

The Junior Specialist may be expected to provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants that rotate through the lab. They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, committee service, and other activities, as applicable.

• Research experience in genetics, gene therapy, animal modeling
• Experience working in a research laboratory or using specific research methods techniques such as RT-qPCR, Western Blot, PCR, microscopy
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills