Academic ConnectJunior Specialist - Ji Lab
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Job #JPF07129
- NUTRITION / COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES / UC Davis
Position overview
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100, Step 1 - $56,600, Step 2.
Application Window
Open date: May 29, 2025
Next review date: Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Sunday, Aug 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
NATURE AND PURPOSE
The Junior Specialist will contribute to research projects investigating the bioactivities of two milk proteins, lactoferrin and lysozyme, their interactions, and recombinant forms produced via precision fermentation. The role involves work with both in vivo and in vitro models. Primary responsibilities include laboratory research, data collection and analysis, assistance with research planning, and general lab support.
In general, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master’s or doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience with the specialized methods as a Junior Specialist.
Major responsibilities:
I. Research (95%):
Research activities:
Collaborate with and/or assist the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team with study design, implementation, and the conduct of research on the bioactivities of lactoferrin and lysozyme using both in vitro and in vivo models. Create and maintain research project databases. Conduct statistical analyses and summarize findings for progress reports, manuscripts, and grant applications. Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and other scholarly outputs in collaboration with the PI.
Laboratory activities:
Assist in the development and optimization of experimental protocols. Conduct a range of laboratory procedures, including protein isolation (from bovine and human milk), cell culture, microbiological culture, and bioactivity assays (e.g., lysozyme activity, cell proliferation and differentiation assays, iron saturation testing). Perform animal care and sample collection in compliance with established protocols. Coordinate with IACUC and other regulatory entities to support the preparation and submission of project approvals. Maintain documentation to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements. Communicate approved protocols to team members and regulatory personnel. Provide logistical and technical support to interns and undergraduate researchers under the direction of senior lab personnel.
II. Professional Competency and Activity (5%):
Summarize and present research findings at lab meetings and professional conferences. Stay informed about developments in the field and engage in relevant scientific discourse.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
- Bachelor’s degree in Genetics and Genomics, Nutrition, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Relevant laboratory experience, including mouse handling, oral gavage feeding, milk protein isolation, Western blotting, and molecular biology techniques such as primer design, DNA cloning, and PCR
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
- Proficiency with light and confocal microscopy, as well as image analysis using ImageJ.
- Capable of maintaining a complete and detailed laboratory notebook documenting experimental procedures, and of organizing graphic and tabular data for publications, grant proposals, and/or presentations
- Experience with software programs including Excel and GraphPad Prism is required.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills are necessary, along with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Cover Letter (Optional)
- Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
Reference requirements
- 2-4 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07129
Help contact: eevilleda@ucdavis.edu
Job location
Davis, CA