You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

Dr. Campana’s lab with  Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire  one, full-or-part time employee as an Assistant/Assoc./Full Specialist in Dr. Campana’s lab.  The incumbent will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in peripheral neuropathy, neuroimmune interactions, Schwann cell biology, and extracellular vesicle communication

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE 

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise involving peripheral neuropathy, neuroimmune interactions, Schwann cell biology, and extracellular vesicle communication in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals  for  extramural  funding. The  Specialist  is  evaluated  for  merit and  promotion using three basic  criteria 

outlined below.

 

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Campana and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment. 

 

RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%EFFORT) 

The Specialist will collaborate with other research personnel in Dr. Campana's laboratory on research activities involving peripheral neuropathy, neuroimmune interactions, Schwann cell biology, and extracellular vesicle communication. Specific duties include:

Core Technical Responsibilities:

1. Protein Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

  • Perform protein isolation, purification, and characterization
  • Conduct ligand-receptor interaction studies and contact-dependent cell signaling experiments
  • Execute immunoblotting and protein expression analysis
  • Utilize protein databases (e.g., AlphaFold) for structural analysis
  • Develop novel peptide mimetics and/or nanosomes

2. Cell Biology and Microscopy

  • Perform flow cytometry and nanosorting procedures
  • Conduct immunofluorescence staining and analysis
  • Operate confocal microscopy systems for high-resolution imaging
  • Execute live cell imaging experiments
  • Study glia:immune cell interactions in vitro

3. Transcriptome and Molecular Analysis

  • Perform RNA isolation, quantification, and quality assessment
  • Conduct gene editing procedures and qPCR analysis
  • Support single-cell RNA sequencing projects
  • Analyze transcriptome profiling data in collaboration with bioinformatics specialists
  • Process and interpret gene and protein expression patterns

4. Systems Neurobiology and In Vivo Models

  • Work with transgenic mouse models of peripheral neuropathy
  • Perform tissue collection, processing, and analysis
  • Conduct histological and immunohistochemical analyses
  • Analyze mechanisms contributing to neuropathology
  • Support studies of nerve injury and stress responses

5. Laboratory Management and Coordination

  • Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper calibration
  • Manage inventory of reagents and supplies
  • Obtain and maintain appropriate laboratory safety protocols
  • Train laboratory personnel on specialized techniques within area of expertise
  • Troubleshoot technical problems and optimize experimental protocols
  • Serve as research coordinator for projects conducted by PIs in the laboratory

6. Data Management and Reporting

  • Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic records
  • Prepare data summaries and visualizations for laboratory meetings
  • Ensure uninterrupted communication between research team members
  • Prepare technical reports tailored to meet the needs of investigators
  • Contribute to manuscript preparation with acknowledgment of contributions

7. Contributions to Publishable Research

  • Make technical or specialized contributions to research sufficient to receive formal acknowledgement in publications
  • Potential for authorship on publications based on significant intellectual contributions
  • Active dissemination of information through presentations at laboratory meetings

 

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

  • Actively participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups (e.g., Society for Neuroscience, American Society for Cell Biology)
  • Attend relevant seminars, workshops, and conferences to maintain technical competence
  • Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise (at Associate/Full ranks)
  • Present research findings at regional/national meetings (at Associate/Full ranks)
  • Engage in continuing education to maintain and upgrade competency in specialized research methods
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in neuroscience and molecular biology
  • Participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings
  • Engage in outreach activities related to area of expertise as resources permit

 

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)  

  • Participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings
  • Contribute to departmental activities and seminars as appropriate
  • Participate in committees within the department, school, or campus (at higher ranks)
  • Engage in outreach activities related to area of expertise as resources permit

 

 

 

 

*This recruitment is conducted at the assistant/associate/full rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant/associate/full rank regardless of the proposed appointee’s qualifications. 

*A reasonable estimate for this position will be $63,500-114,200 for full time (non-exempt $30.42/hr-54.70/hr for part-time).

 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Assistant Specialist candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree plus three or more years of research experience, or Master’s degree in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field.

 

  • Associate Specialist candidates must have 6-10 years of experience in the specialized field;  Master’s degree in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field plus 2-5 years of experience in specialization; or PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field
  • Full Specialist candidate must have 10+ years of experience in the specialized field; Terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent plus additional research experience; or Masters degree plus 6+ years experience in research specialization 
  • Minimum number of  4 years of training and/or experience in field/speciality. 

 

Proficiency Requirements by Rank:

For the following areas, the Assistant Specialist must demonstrate proficiency in at least three of the four areas. The Associate Specialist must demonstrate advanced proficiency in at least three of the four areas, plus ability to train others and troubleshoot complex protocols. The Full Specialist must demonstrate expert-level proficiency in all four areas, plus demonstrated ability to develop new approaches/techniques and record of training and mentoring laboratory personnel:

  •  Protein Biochemistry: Protein isolation/purification, immunoblotting, ligand-receptor interactions, cell signaling, protein databases (AlphaFold), peptide mimetics/nanosomes

• Cell Biology & Microscopy: Flow cytometry, nanosorting, immunofluorescence, confocal/live cell imaging, glia: immune cell interactions

• Transcriptome & Molecular Analysis: RNA isolation, gene editing, qPCR, single-cell RNA sequencing, transcriptome profiling, gene/protein expression

• Systems Neurobiology: Transgenic mouse models, tissue processing, histology, immunohistochemistry, nerve injury/neuropathology studies.

  • Assistant Specialist: Must demonstrate proficiency in at least 3 of 4 areas
  • Associate Specialist: Must demonstrate advanced proficiency in at least 3 of 4 areas, plus ability to train others and troubleshoot complex protocols
  • Full Specialist: Must demonstrate expert-level proficiency in all 4 areas, plus demonstrated ability to develop new approaches/techniques and record of training and mentoring laboratory personnel

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Research experience in neurobiology, peripheral neuropathy, or glia:neuron:immune interactions
  • Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, ligand-receptor studies, or nanoparticle tracking
  • Active research laboratory experience with postdocs, graduate students, and technicians
  • Advanced microscopy and image analysis proficiency
  • Proteomics and computational/bioinformatics analysis experience
  • Extracellular vesicle or Schwann cell biology research background
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Independent and collaborative teamwork abilities
  • Scientific writing and manuscript preparation proficiency

 

TO APPLY: 

To apply, please go to the following link: [Analyst will enter]. This  position will remain open until it is filled.

 

Qualified applicants should submit: 

  • CV with a complete list of publications 
  • Cover Letter
  • Statement of Research
  • Contact information for 3-5 references
  • Unofficial Transcripts 
  • Authorization to Release Information

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

About UC Davis

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.

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

 

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

 

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law. 

 

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

 

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400. 


UC Davis also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

 

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.