Position Overview: A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 at Step 1 or $56,600 at Step 2. Junior Specialist NEX: A reasonable estimate for this position is $25.44/hr at Step 1 or $27.11/hr at step 2.
Research (90%) The Junior Specialist will participate in publishable research focusing on the mechanisms of chromosome segregation. The research will use thermophilic archaeal cell cultures, genetic manipulations, as well as molecular biology and live-cell fluorescence microscopy. The successful candidate will create DNA constructs, introduce DNA constructs into thermophilic archaea as well as bacteria, and analyze cells and protein expression using a range of techniques. The successful candidate will also analyze data and carry out biochemical and molecular assays. The position will also involve general laboratory maintenance such as ordering supplies, helping to maintain safety records, cleaning of glassware, putting away glassware and supplies, and maintaining frozen stocks of cells and plasmids. The Junior Specialist will perform experiments under the supervision of a postdoctoral researcher and the PI. The successful candidate will be expected to stay up to date on the field by reading background literature, including that suggested by supervisors. The candidate will be expected to understand the hypotheses and rationale for experiments, and to discuss the design of experiments with the PI and postdoctoral mentors. The Junior Specialist is expected to work semi-independently, planning and completing experiments with guidance and oversight from mentors. The candidate will keep a detailed electronic notebook including all experimental procedures and data. The candidate will participate and present in group meetings. The candidate will also contribute to the writing and editing of manuscripts.
Service (10%) The junior specialist will be expected to help train and mentor undergraduates, graduate students, and other lab members. Undergraduate students will typically help with basic tasks and complete small, related research sub-projects.
UC Davis is the home of the Aggies — go-getters, change makers and problem solvers who make their mark at one of the top public universities in the United States. Since we first opened in 1908, we’ve been known for standout academics, sustainability and Aggie Pride as well as valuing the Northern California lifestyle. These themes are woven into our 100-plus-year history and our reputation for solving problems related to food, health, the environment and society.Our 5,300-acre campus is in the city of Davis, a vibrant college town of about 68,000 located in Yolo County. The state capital is 20 minutes away, and world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley are within a two-hour drive.