Junior Specialist - Silverman Lab

University of California, Davis; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in the Silverman Lab, focusing on translational neuroscience using in vitro and in vivo preclinical models of neurodevelopmental disorders.

The role includes research, laboratory management, and professional development within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to ongoing NIH grants and publications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological sciences or related field.
• Proficient computer skills using Word, Excel, macros and the entire Microsoft suite.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and excellent written communication with the PI.
• Proficient in PubMed and identifying relevant prior research.
• Experience with tissue collection, genotyping, PCR, and biology assays.

Responsibilities

• Conduct genotyping with DNA extraction and PCR procedures.
• Support in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies using rodent models.
• Assist with data management, analysis and figure preparation for grants/publications.
• Maintain organized lab records and assist in grant-related tasks.
• Prepare for laboratory inspections and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Biological sciences

Interpersonal communication

Lab teamwork

Data management

Scientific writing

PubMed literature search

Microsoft Office (Mac/PC)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field

Tools

PCR

Genotyping

Cell culture

Western blot

Job description

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist for the Silverman Lab.

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions towards advancing translation for rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders in neuroscience. Successful candidates will also participate in career building opportunities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES

The incumbent for this position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in translational neuroscience using in vitro and in vivo preclinical model systems of neurodevelopmental disorders. The incumbent will have the opportunity to work with preclinical cellular and rodent models of genetic neurodevelopmental disorders as well as environmental exposures that impair neurological and neuropsychiatric health. The incumbent will provide technical support and will actively participate in the research for grants funded by the National Institutes of Health and private foundations.

The incumbent will contribute to maintaining efficient laboratory management and workflow, ordering, grant writing, leading annual inspections for biological and chemical safety and manuscript preparation.

The Silverman Lab conducts in vitro and in vivo preclinical model systems of neurodevelopmental disorders including rodent behavior, neurophysiological and anatomical analyses of preclinical cellular and rodent models of human neurological and neuropsychitric disorders, with a large focus of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) defined by autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disability disorders (DD) and pediatric epilepsy. Tasks that measure learning and memory, neurological evaluations, sensory, motor, anxiety-related, sleep, seizures, and other abnormalities in vivo. RNA and protein quantification, drug administration, neuronal imaging and analysis, in vitro are additional components of the position.

This position is through the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California Davis School of Medicine, in association with the UC Davis MIND Institute.

I. RESEARCH ACTIVITY (70% EFFORT)

• Understanding of general laboratory procedures including sterile techniques, preparation of analytical reagents, small animal work, tissue dissection for cell culture work and biological assays, and use of analytical laboratory equipment.
• Ability to independently and proactively gather research information that will allow for forward progress and problem solving in the laboratory.
• Work successfully among a fast paced competitive, interdisciplinary team.
• Breeding of genetically modified mice, basic rodent husbandry, andtissue dissection.
• Harvest tissue from genetic models and environmental exposure models.
• Harvest tissue from genetic models and environmental exposure models to plate and generate primary neuronal culture models
• Be responsible for information critical to maintaining live mutant rodent colonies, and maintaining primary neuronal cultures,with outstanding, organized records.
• Utilize fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cells and iPSC differentiated neurons
• Assist and Perform genotyping subjects with a high level of knowledge of DNA extraction and PCR procedures
• Perform rtPCR for RNA, and western blotting for protein and troubleshooting of these biological assays.
• Analyzing physiological and biological data.
• Data management, processing, and statistical analysis of experimental data.
• Flexibility with time and research project focus areas.
• Writing experimental methods, data graphics, and statistical software.

II. LABORATORY OVERSIGHT (20% EFFORT)

• Work with PI to track grant budgets.
• Take regular inventory of supplies, prepare orders, and keep track of purchases.
• Keep administration paperwork for laboratory safety and animal care and use records.
• Prepare for laboratory inspections and liaison with inspectors.
• Ensuring adherence to IACUC protocols, and Laboratory and chemical safety Inventories and Inspections.
• Maintaining laboratory cleanliness and organization.
  
• Contribute to designing new testing protocols, maintaining, and repairing equipment, and overseeing that the physical space used by the research program is in good order.
  

III. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

• Participate in lab meetings by sharing and discussing data , journal articles and communicate lab needs and requiremnts to the team.
• Preparation of text and data as figures for grant applications and for publication.
• Review of research proposals, journal manuscripts, and other publications.
• Present research at local and/or international scientific conferences (at the discretion of the PI).
  
• Represent the laboratory for inspections with a broad variety type of inspections.

IV. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

• Liaison with funding agencies and parent foundations, representing the Silverman lab Team.
• Meet with other external groups on issues related to the lab’s area of expertise.
• Perform tours of the laboratory to community members and patient advocacy teams.
• Be actively involved in the scientific components of the research program through contributions to laboratory meetings, MIND Institute meetings, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and interactions with visiting scientists and parents/family members of affected individuals.

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological sciences or related field.
• Proficient computer skills using word processing, excel worksbooks and Macros and the entire Microsoft suite.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, excellent verbal communication and maintain outstanding written communication with PI.
• Proficient in PubMed and identifying appropriate prior research that has been performed and published relevant oto the lab’s work.
• Proficient in PubMed and identifying research that has optimize Methodologies that need to be implemented for experiments in the lab and for the lab’s workflow.
• Significant experience in tissue collection, genotyping, PCR, and biology assays.
• Superior attention to detail and diligent recordkeeping in hardcopy form via a lab notebook and digitally to share with the lab members/team and/or PI, individually.
• Strong organization and preparation, ability to work in a demanding environment are essential.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to work independently after thorough training, but also as a key member of the team.
• A strong desire for a future career in biomedical science, research or medicine.