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Recruitment Period

Open Date: April 24, 2025

Next Review Date: May 9, 2025 - Apply by May 9, 2025 (11:59 p.m.) to be considered in the first round of applicants. All applicants received will be released to the Search Committee the following day. More review dates will continue to be added if the position is not filled.

Description

The Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire one full time employee as a Full Specialist in the Schumann lab. The incumbent will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in human and nonhuman primate neurodevelopment.

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 in single nucleus RNA-sequencing [snRNA-seq] and single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization [smFISH] with human and non-human primate brain tissue 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 Professor Cynthia Schumann and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

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

1. Research (90% EFFORT)
   
   1. The incumbent will collaborate with other research personnel affiliated with research activities involving molecular and cellular changes in the brain in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Specific duties may include the following.
      • Effectively plan and execute snRNA-seq and smFISH research projects involving human and non-human primate brain tissue with careful consideration of tissue quality, accurate anatomical sampling, and maximizing use of tissue across projects.
      • Effectively plan and execute appropriate secondary methods for scientific rigor of the above. This includes histological stains (e.g., immunofluorescence) and molecular assays (e.g., Luminex based multiplex bead assays such as QuantiGene).
      • Coordinate all tissue sampling efforts.
      • Provide technical guidance to graduate students, project scientists, and other researchers regarding snRNA-seq, smFISH, and histological assays.
      • The candidate will participate in publications as an author.
      • Grant support. The candidate will assist in writing proposals and providing preliminary data for funding.
      • The candidate will actively disseminate information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
      • Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/ or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels.
   2. Serve as a research coordinator for snRNA-seq, smFISH, fluorescence microscopy, and histology projects conducted by PIs in the laboratory and/or department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual.
2. Professional Competence and Activity (5% EFFORT)
   • The appointee will be expected to actively participate appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
   • Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.
3. University and Public Service (5% EFFORT)
   • They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, and other activities, as applicable.
   • They will also be expected to participate in committees within the department, school, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate.

This recruitment is conducted at the full rank.

A reasonable estimate for this position will be $90,000-$110,300/year.

Basic Qualifications

• Full Specialist candidates must possess an MS degree in neuroscience or related medical field and 6 or more years of research experience.
• Minimum 6 years of research experience in managing laboratory projects involving human and non-human primate brain tissue.
• Established proficiency with all aspects of projects involving snRNA-seq and smFISH in brain tissue. This includes protocol development, project management, imaging, data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Must have extensive experience with handling human and non-human primate brain tissue. This includes knowing a variety of fixation methods, sample collection approaches, sectioning at cryostats and freezing microtomes, and basic histological techniques.
• Experience with utilizing molecular techniques such as ELISA and Luminex-based bead assays on human and non-human primate brain tissue.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy techniques on human and non-human primate brain tissue.
• Experience developing and leading projects.
• Evidence of academic accomplishment such as refereed journal papers and conference presentations.
• Experience with grant development. This includes piloting new techniques, providing preliminary data, and application preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Broad experience with molecular techniques involving proteins, nucleic acid, and antibodies.
• Knowledge of array tomography and other synaptic evaluation techniques.

To Apply

To apply, please go to the following link: JPF07092. This position will remain open until filled.

Qualified applicants should submit:

• CV with a complete list of publications
• Cover letter
• Contact information for 3-5 referees
• Authorization to Release Information

Apply Here

Recruitment Period

Open Date: April 8, 2025

Next Review Date: April 23, 2025 - Apply by April 23, 2025 (11:59 p.m.) to be considered in the first round of applicants. All applicants received will be released to the Search Committee the following day. More review dates will continue to be added if the position is not filled.

Description

The Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire one Junior Specialist in 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 Professor 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.

A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 at Step 1 or $56,600 at Step 2.

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

To Apply

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

Qualified applicants should submit:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Contact Information for 3 references

See the following link for a job description and application process:

Chair of the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy (JPF06291) - AP Recruit (ucdavis.edu)