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University of California, Davis Department of Neurology
Junior Specialist
Dr. David Richman

The Department of Neurology at the University of California, Davis, is seeking a full-time Junior Specialist. The purpose of this position is to provide support, coordination and leadership for research studies of Dr. David Richman.

The position requires an individual with a background in molecular and cell biology and experience with studying the effects of myasthenia gravis in both in vitro and animal models.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently.
The incumbent will also be expected to analyze and prepare data for both oral presentations and publications in scientific journals.

The Junior Specialist will be involved in laboratory studies of animal models of myasthenia gravis and the development of new treatments of this and related autoimmune disease under the supervision of the principal investigator and the project scientist. The experiments include DNA cloning, expression, and purification of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells, antibody and other immunologic assays of animal and human cells in vitro and in vivo, care and clinical evaluation of animals with experimental myasthenia.

The purpose of the junior specialist’s involvement in the research project will be to better understand the basic mechanisms of the autoimmune neuromuscular disease through the study of animal models of human diseases. The work of the junior specialist will inspire creative new ideas for disease treatment in animals that may translate to human patients someday. These new ideas can be tested in the lab with the help of the PI.

The junior specialist will contribute to the design of the experiments and to creative approaches of troubleshooting scientific challenges as they arise. Through consulting with the PI, the junior specialist’s creativity and scientific curiosity will be strengthened. This experience will bolster the junior specialist's skills and prepare them for entry to a graduate program.

Along with research, the incumbent will also help with lab maintenance. This includes staying compliant with safety standards and inspections, ordering lab supplies, as well as completing paperwork. He/She will prepare manuscripts for publications in collaboration with the principal investigator. Manuscript preparation will include reviewing relevant literature, describing methods and results used to acquire the data, presenting and analyzing data retrieved, constructing clear and informative figures, interpreting the results and discussing how they fit in the current understanding of the field.

Depending on the interest and availability of funds, the Junior Specialist will have opportunities to present research findings to a larger audience at scientific conferences or meetings. The incumbent will also assist the principal investigator in presenting progress reports and final summaries to granting agencies as well as lab meetings with other investigators. The Junior Specialist will mentor undergraduate students from UC Davis. He/She will actively contribute to lab activities through staff meetings and presentations to colleagues and researchers from various scientific communities.

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology or a related field with a minimum of one year experience in undergraduate laboratory research, a demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions and communicate ideas, in addition to the ability to work occasional weekend hours for management of experiments. Preferred qualifications include computer science or programming skills and experience with lab animal handling.

For full consideration, applications must be received by June 15, 2019; however, the position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2019. Qualified applicants should apply online at https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF02870. Applicants should submit cover letter, curriculum vitae and contact information 2 references. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Please direct questions to Elisa Valenton @ elisamvalenton@ucdavis.edu.

UC Davis commits to inclusion excellence by advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department. 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 UCD positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available http://www.uscis.gov/everify. UC Davis is a smoke & tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/). If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.