The Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for an Assistant Project Scientist. Under the direction of Assistant Professor Jacqueline Kimmey (see Kimmy Lab), the selected candidate will assist with research projects focused on understanding the interactions between circadian rhythms, innate immunity, and bacterial pathogenesis. Research activities will require sterile technique, tissue culture, plasmid purification, bacterial transformation, genetic engineering, analysis of eukaryotic UTR, and investigation of eukaryotic cell signaling pathways.
Applicants should have a broad range of knowledge and the ability to pick up new topics / model systems quickly to allow for efficient pivoting between projects. The ideal applicant will have experience with multiple model systems (bacteria, viral, mammalian, zebrafish, plants) and scientific expertise in at least 3 of the lab’s research fields (circadian biology, cell signaling, immunology, genetics, or microbiology). This position will require a high-level knowledge of the lab’s research, and the selected candidate may be required to assist with a variety of research projects in the lab, which may include assay development, background research, literature reviews, data analysis, and contributing to paper and grant writing. The incumbent will be expected to make independent experimental progress and should be able to contribute creatively to the scientific research in the lab.
The project scientist may also be required to contribute to lab management duties, such as ordering supplies, making buffers and reagents, ensuring compliance with lab policies and biosafety (EHS) regulations, and assisting with onboarding and training of new lab members. The position will require the incumbent to successfully follow both verbal and written directions, keep organized records, and respectfully communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of students, faculty, and staff.
Applications must demonstrate experience in project management, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. The ideal applicant will have over ten publications to demonstrate competency with experimental design and writing in relevant fields (microbiology, molecular genetics, immunology, and cell biology.)
Notice: Although all individuals can safely work in the lab, the lab’s research utilizes pathogenic bacteria. Immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk for infection and are recommended to consult their doctor before applying if this is a concern.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.