Junior Specialist in Neuroimmunology-Gong Lab

The Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine seeks to hire one Junior Specialist in Dr. Qizhi Gong's lab. This position will involve interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions about pathogen-olfactory mucosa interactions, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

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 research projects. The junior specialist may assist in data collection, entry, and quality control, study design and implementation, literature reviews and data analysis for the 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 Dr. Qizhi Gong and work cooperatively and collegially in a collaborative research environment.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)

The Junior Specialist will be part of the team to study neuroinflammation and innate immune responses in the olfactory system upon viral infection. Experimental procedures performed by the Junior Specialist include transgenic mouse colony management, genotyping of mice, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope in situ hybridization, confocal imaging, and quantitative image analysis, gene expression assays including RT-qPCR, whole tissue, and single cell RNA-seq. The Junior Specialist will work with the PI on experimental design but will be expected to carry out research projects independently with the expectation that their results will lead to publication. As such, the Junior Specialist is required to have the skills needed to lead projects that will produce rigorously acquired, high-quality data.

This position also involves presenting and participating in group meetings, reviewing journal articles, engaging in scholarly discussions of research, critical and creative thinking, and providing mentorship to more junior colleagues. Additionally, the position also requires careful attention to detail, including accurate and reproducible data analysis and faithful documentation of results. The ideal candidate must be a motivated, organized, independently driven individual who can work and collaborate with members of the lab professionally. They must, therefore, possess excellent organizational, logistical, and time management skills.

2. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

The Junior Specialist will have the opportunity to attend conferences and participate in departmental and other relevant seminar series, journal clubs, and other pertinent activities.

3. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

The Junior Specialist is 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, and other activities, as applicable.

*This recruitment is conducted at the junior rank. The resulting hire will be at the junior rank regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

*TO APPLY: *

To apply, please go to the following link: JPF07034. This position will remain open until filled.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree in biological sciences. Degree must be awarded before start date.

* Minimum 2 years of experience in laboratory research.

* Experience in using rodent models to conduct biomedical research

* Experience in mammalian tissue processing

* Experience in molecular techniques

* Quantitative skills required for data analysis

* Display strong interpersonal and decision-making skills, organizational skills, and accurate record-keeping capabilities

* Experience with laboratory safety and willingness to adhere to EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements

* A commitment to follow all laboratory standard operating procedures, proactively identify and address issues and/or troubleshoot with other laboratory personnel when necessary

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Demonstrated experience serving as a mentor or teaching assistant to undergraduates

* Excellent written and oral communication skills

* Experience with immunohistochemistry in brain sections

* Ability to perform transcardial perfusions in mice

* Experience with coding

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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