The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist in general support of molecular, biochemical, and cell biology projects related to virus-host protein interactions. Research (90%): This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on identifying flavivirus-host protein interactions and their consequences virus replication. General responsibilities will involve basic molecular and cellular biology techniques such as nucleic acid isolation, PCR, DNA/protein gel electrophoresis, gene cloning, protein purification, and flavivirus infection/replication assays. Responsibilities will also include general laboratory maintenance such as cleaning glassware, autoclaving materials, ordering supplies, preparation of solutions and media, maintenance of cell cultures, and maintenance of frozen stocks of cells and plasmids. The ideal candidate will perform experiments under the supervision of the PI or postdoc. He/she is expected to familiarize themselves with the current state of knowledge in the field by reading background literature, including that suggested by supervisors and relevant independent study. He/she will also learn and interpret protocols from the literature to adapt and help develop our own protocols. They are expected to understand the rationale and hypotheses being tested. He/she will discuss experimental design prior to performing experiments and then perform experiments. Once trained, he/she is expected to work independently for basic techniques and protocols. He/she should work semi-independently, planning their own work schedule and many experiments, with oversight by the PI. He/she will be expected to participate in the design of the experimental plan and individual experiments. He/she will keep a detailed laboratory notebook including experimental procedures and results. He/she will participate in internal campus seminar series and laboratory research meetings, presenting in both. He/she may be able to participate in and present research results, either short oral presentation or a poster presentation, in local external scientific meetings on campus or in California. He/she will organize and summarize final data in graphical and/or tabular form for publications, grant proposals, and publications. He/she will participate in the writing of research results for publication by writing sections of the manuscript and helping edit the manuscript. Service (10%): The successful candidate will be expected to mentor undergraduate student researchers. These students would typically help with basic lab tasks and complete small research projects closely related to their own research. The candidate would be expected to assist with their training and discuss experiments with them. He/she will also help train visiting students and/or scholars.
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.