Junior Specialist- Yellowley Genetos Lab

UC Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applicants for a qualified Junior Specialist to join the Yellowley/Genetos Labs focused on skeletal health.

The role spans planning and performing mouse tissue collection, histology, molecular assays, data recording, and preparation of figures for publication, with mentorship of undergraduates and collaboration across laboratories.

Qualifications

• BS in molecular and cellular biology or related field.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Experience with molecular and tissue processing skills such as PCR, DNA extraction, histology, immunostaining and in situ hybridization.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute tissue collection from mice with skeletal mutations.
• Perform dissection, cell isolation, microCT, tissue sectioning, histology, immunostaining, and in situ hybridization.
• Review scientific literature and present work at lab meetings.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and assist in data analyses and figure preparation.

Skills

Molecular biology

Tissue culture

PCR

Data analysis

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology

Tools

PCR

DNA extraction

Histology

Immunostaining

In situ hybridization

Job description

The Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology at the University of California, Davis, invites applicants for a qualified Junior Specialist with the Yellowley/Genetos Labs. The Yellowley and Genetos Labs are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to be involved in a collaborative project focused on skeletal health.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research (90%): The Junior Specialist will plan and execute experiments involving tissue collection from mice with a variety of genetic mutations in the skeletal system. This will involve tissue dissection, cell isolation, microCT, tissue cryo- and paraffin sectioning, histological staining, immunostainings, and in situ hybridizations. In addition, in vitro experiments will involve culture of skeletal cell lines, exposure of cells to chemical or physical stimuli, isolation of RNA and protein for PCR and Western blotting, immunocytochemical staining and immunoprecipitation.
• The candidate is expected to review the scientific literature, attend and present their work at lab, and Veterinary Orthopedic Group research meetings.
• The candidate will collect and help summarize laboratory data, keep a detailed laboratory notebook, and will assist in data analyses as appropriate. The candidate is expected to help prepare figures for publication.
• The candidate is expected to assist in training undergraduate and rotation students as appropriate.
• The successful candidate should be organized, dependable, attentive to detail, and have strong problem solving and communication skills. Additional responsibilities include helping maintain supplies, equipment, and laboratory spaces necessary for ongoing research. The position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Professional Competence (5%): The Junior Specialist will have opportunities to participate in local 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors of Science degree in molecular and cellular 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 histology, 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.