Junior Specialist - Weber Lab

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California in Davis is seeking a Junior Specialist to plan and execute experiments on mouse and jerboa tissue during vertebra formation. The role includes animal husbandry, tissue processing, histology, and in situ methods, with involvement in literature review and manuscript preparation.

The candidate will assist in lab management, order supplies, ensure protocol compliance, and mentor undergraduate students while presenting at meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular/cellular biology or developmental biology or related field with lab experience.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, interpersonal, and decision-making skills; ability to work independently or in a team.
• Experience with PCR, DNA extraction, plasmid preps or immunostaining and in situ hybridization.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and document data for publications and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments involving mouse and jerboa tissue collection.
• Assist with animal husbandry, colony maintenance, and lab supplies.
• Help with protocols, safety compliance, and training undergraduates.
• Attend lab meetings and assist in preparing figures/manuscripts.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Decision-making

Independent work

Teamwork

Lab notebook

Education

Bachelors degree in molecular/cellular or developmental biology

Tools

PCR

DNA extraction

Immunostaining

In situ hybridization

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• Research (90%) The Junior Specialist will plan and execute experiments involving mouse and jerboa tissue collection during key phases of vertebra formation. This will include animal husbandry, genotyping, tissue microdissection, tissue cryo- and paraffin sectioning, histological staining, immunostainings, and in situ hybridizations. In addition, the candidate is expected to review the scientific literature, and in conjunction with the Principal Investigator, formulate new hypotheses and design and conduct new experiments. The candidate is also expected to attend and present their work at lab and group research meetings, as well as help prepare figures and assist in writing manuscripts for publication.
• The Junior Specialist will be expected to assist in lab management, animal colony maintenance, and coordination of supplies needed for the successful day-to-day running of the lab. This will include keeping track of and ordering supplies, maintaining the lab space, and assisting with jerboa colony maintenance and husbandry. The candidate will also be involved in animal use protocol reporting and compliance, help ensure that safety regulations are met, and assist in training undergraduate and rotation students as appropriate.
• Professional Competence (5%) The Junior Specialist will have opportunities to participate in local and regional meetings and attend seminars as appropriate.
• University and Public Service (5%) The Junior Specialist will mentor undergraduate lab assistants working in the lab, and participate in laboratory, departmental, and group meetings, and other activities as applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors of Science degree in molecular and cellular biology, developmental biology or a related field, with at least 3 months of previous lab experience. The ideal candidate will have: strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize responsibilities, interpersonal communication skills, decision-making skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Experience must include some molecular and/or tissue processing skills such as PCR, DNA extraction, plasmid preps or immunostaining and in situ hybridization. The ideal candidate must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook, be able to document data for publication and/or presentations and be willing to learn new skills.