Junior Specialist Position Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science UC Davis School of Medicine The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science at the UC Davis School of Medicine is seeking a full-time Junior Specialist. The purpose of this position is to provide support, coordination, and leadership for research studies of Dr. Ala Moshiri MD PhD, preferably for a 2-year commitment. The Moshiri lab wishes to fill this position as soon as possible. The incumbent will be expected to perform experiments with transgenic mice, molecular biology, cell culture, and analyze and prepare data for both oral presentations and publications in scientific journals. The successful candidate will have a Bachelors 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. Preferred qualifications include experience with lab animal (rodent) handling. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently. There is a significant bioinformatic component to the research projects using genetic data sets from mice and humans. A background in data analysis, statistics, and genomics is preferred. A background in vision science is beneficial, but not required. The incumbent will participate in the following duties:
Research (90%):
Bioinformatic analysis of publicly available genomic data sets of human and mouse tissues
Genotyping and maintaining multiple mouse colonies using basic DNA isolation and PCR.
Dissection of mouse ocular tissues, embedding, sectioning, staining slides with antibodies (immunohistochemistry), fluorescent microscopy.
Stem cell propagation and retinal organoid differentiation in tissue culture systems
DNA/RNA preps, qPCR, and other assays depending on the project.
Help with lab maintenance, including staying compliant with safety standards and inspections, ordering lab supplies, as well as completing paperwork.
Prepares manuscripts for publications in collaboration with the principal investigator.
Professional Competence (5%):
The candidate will be expected to attend symposia and conferences, participate and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs and other activities, as applicable. The incumbent will present research at regional and appropriate national meetings such as ARVO and AAO. Presentations will be delivered in poster and/or oral format.
University and Public Service (5%):
Candidate will be expected to mentor undergraduates in the lab, participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings and other activities, as applicable.
As a full-time research group member, this position includes responsibility for maintaining safety standards and meeting regulatory requirements, staff training and mentoring.
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.
