SPECIALIST for Dr. Eliza Bliss-Moreau Lab

The Bliss-Moreau Laboratory at the National Biomedical Research Institute (NBRI), UC Davis is seeking a Specialist (of any rank) to join our team working on our womb-to-tomb neuroanatomy projects evaluating structural variation and plasticity of the “affective brain” and/or behavior projects tracking affective/social/cognitive development across the lifespan. Located at the NBRI, the laboratory works primarily with rhesus monkeys. Comfort working with monkeys in a variety of settings is a must, as is the ability to physically move monkeys and equipment which can often weigh upwards of 50 lbs (including between buildings during our summers).

We are seeking highly motivated lab members who can manage their time well to carry out tasks, trouble shoot challenges as they arise, work well in the context of a fast moving and dynamic team, communicate directly, and do not need to be “micromanaged” to accomplish goals.

The Specialist will contribute to our ongoing work by carrying out active studies that may be behavioral or neuroscientific in nature. Behavioral studies include observations of social behavior and testing monkeys on cognitive and affective tasks in the laboratory (with touch screens, while chaired in front of an eye tracker, etc.). Neuroscientific studies include both neuroimaging (MRI) and histological methods. The ideal candidate will have interest and strengths in one or both domains.

While the junior specialist title is often used in the University of California as a “post bac” position (limited to two years); the other specialist titles are career positions. Level of appointment (junior, assistant, associate, full specialist) will be determined based on education and experience. Specific job description will be determined with job level. A general description is provided below.

• Behavioral: train animals to participate in testing
• Behavioral: carry out behavioral data collection including social behavior observations, and cognitive testing and affective testing in a variety of settings including home cages, touch screen lab, in an eye tracker, and in a cardiac physiology lab
• Neuroscience: collecting and processing imaging and histological data
• Neuroscience: prepare solutions, medias, and buffers
• Neuroscience: use laboratory equipment including centrifuges, incubators, microscopes, etc. employing best laboratory practices
• Neuroscience: manage reagents, frozen tissue archives, and other laboratory resources
• Maintain laboratory spaces and equipment
• Maintain datasets, including data entry, checking data for errors, and documentation to support both analysis and open/sharing data practices
• Carry out literature reviews for current and future projects
• Participate in the generation of abstracts and manuscripts, with specific tasks calibrated by level of appointment

• Participate in investigator and group meetings.
• Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
• Assist with literature reviews and dissemination of results.

• Participate in institute-wide or university-level committees
• Review manuscripts/abstracts when applicable
• Work with/mentor laboratory trainees

• Perform diversified tasks that may often require squatting, kneeling, bending, stooping or standing.
• Must be able to comfortably lift and move at least 50 lbs regularly.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
• Manual and visual dexterity to perform all duties with emphasis on attention to detail and the operation and maintenance of equipment is essential.
• Perform assigned duties in Bio Safety Level 2 conditions where non-human primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous infectious agents such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.
• Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, lab coats, gloves, masks, face shields, and head and shoe covers.

Unit:
The Bliss-Moreau Laboratory

Work Environment
Measles vaccination or proof of illness…