Job Abstract

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis, invites applications for one Junior Specialist in cell and molecular biology.

POSTION DESCRIPTION:

Research (90%):
This position involves contributing to the research program to investigate the highly conserved rapamycin-sensitive TOR signaling network, using the model eukaryote S. cerevisiae as an experimental system. The candidate will be involved in projects aimed at understanding the composition, assembly, and regulation of the TORC1 and TORC2 complexes, using bioinformatic, genetic, biochemical, and cell biology approaches. The ideal candidate will use bioinformatic tools (BLAST, R, Python) to explore sequence data bases (including NCBI) and construct phylogenetic trees and sequence alignments of TOR components across the expanded eukaryotic tree of life. Results of these approaches will be used to inform experiments aimed at understanding the evolution and diversification of TOR signaling, as well as structure-function relationships within the TORC1 and TORC2 complexes. The ideal candidate will also possess experience with or quickly learn experimental methods, including yeast genetic approaches such as tetrad dissection, transformation, and cell culture, as well as cell and molecular biology techniques, including DNA manipulation, Western blotting, and fluorescence microscopy. Experience is also required with many software platforms including ImageJ, Photoshop, Benchling, and UCSF Chimera. The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and a strong work ethic, as well as possess the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Professional competence (5%)
The candidate will be expected to contribute to weekly lab meetings and journal clubs and participate in appropriate larger venues, including a monthly joint research meeting with other labs that all have overlapping research interests in cell signaling. The candidate will be expected to present within these forums on regular basis. The candidate will summarize their data in written, graphical and/or tabular form for publication and grant applications and will help with the preparation of manuscripts and grant applications. The candidate will receive mentoring in each of these aspects of training and will have the opportunity to interact with researchers from other labs as part of their laboratory training.

Service (5%)
The candidate will provide mentorship for undergraduate students in the lab and provide basic training and laboratory supervision.

POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE: The position will open May 22, 2024. For full consideration, applications should be received by June 06, 2024. Position will remain open until filled.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Short term, one year appointment with the possibility to extend to two years maximum, based on the needs of the research project

TO APPLY: Please go to the following link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06518

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a research statement describing their research experience and skills, and a curriculum vitae and, optionally, a statement of contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (max 500 words). Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for three references.
All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law.

Questions: Please direct questions to Dr. Powers: tpowers@ucdavis.edu

Bachelors of Science degree, preferably with training in the field of cell and molecular biology and yeast biology and genetics

Prior experience in recomibinant DNA bioinformatics methods, basic molecular biology techniques, and use of image analysis software such as ImageJ, gene design on-line tools such as Benchling, and structure manipulation software such as UCSF Chimera.

• 3 required (contact information only)

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

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.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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 inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, 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: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their "Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

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.