Junior Specialist: Sensory Neuroscience-Griffith Lab

The Griffith Lab within the Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for one full time Junior Specialist. The appointee will be involved in studies investigating ion channel contributions to sensorimotor and somatosenory signaling. They will devote 90% of the time to research and related activities, 5% to professional competence and 5% to service, as outlined below. Junior Specialist positions are short-term appointments, up to two-years.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in the planning and execution of research projects. The junior specialist may assist in data collection, entry and quality control, study design and implementation, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and

figure generation) for a particular project.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in three major categories of activities listed below:

1. RESEARCH (90% EFFORT)

This position requires interest in investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of transmission of sensorimotor and somatosensory information in both health and disease. Our ability to accurately encode our signals from our external environment and move accordingly are critical for survival. Furthermore, aberrant sensory signaling is associated with various pathological states and neurodevelopmental disorders. The Junior Specialist is required to work closely with the Principle Investigator (PI), Dr. Theanne Griffith, to develop and set research goals and objectives.

Experimental procedures performed by the Specialist include transgenic mouse management, genotyping of mice, in situ hybridizations, immunohistochemistry, primary neuronal cultures of sensory neurons for in vitro studies, dissections, mouse behavior, and calcium imaging. The Specialist with work with the PI on experimental design but will be expected to carry out research projects independently with the expectation that their results will lead to publication. As such, the Specialist is required to have the skills needed to spearhead projects that will produce rigorously acquired, high-quality data.

This position also involves presenting and participating in weekly group meetings, reviewing journal articles, engaging in scholarly discussions of research, critical and creative thinking, and providing mentorship to more junior colleagues. Additionally, the position also requires careful attention to detail, including accurate and reproducible data analysis and faithful documentation of results. The ideal candidate will be motivated, have strong logistical and time-management skills, and be willing to work collaboratively with other team members.

1. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

The Junior Specialist will attend conferences, both regional and national, participate in departmental and other relevant seminar series, journal clubs, and other pertinent activities. The Junior Specialist will be a member of the Society for Neuroscience.

1. SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

The candidate will be expected to mentor and/or supervise junior lab members, actively participate in laboratory and group meetings and other activities, as applicable.

* Bachelor's Degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior or related field. Degree must be awarded before start date. Applicants with an M.S. or Ph.D. will not be considered, as this is an entry-level role.

* Minimum 1 year experience in laboratory research either before or after the degree. Applicants should have no more than 2 years of post-bachelor's laboratory research experience.

* Research experience in sensory neuroscience.

* Experience using immunohistochemistry, tissue sectioning, confocal imaging

* Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions

* Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills

* Excellent written and oral communication skills

* Experience in analysis of spinal cord anatomy

* Prior experience in the field of ion channels

* Strong academic record

* Demonstrated ability to multi-task

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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