Junior Specialist: Developmental Neuroscience - Simo​/La Torre Lab

The Simo Lab and La Torre Labs at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, are recruiting for a one (1) full-time, Junior Specialist(s) in the field of developmental neuroscience. Junior Specialist positions are short-term appointments, up to two-years.

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:

The Junior Specialist will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator (PI), and other research personnel, on studies related to developmental neuroscience. They will carry out technical and routine laboratory tasks necessary to support the research project(s) in specialized areas. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The selected candidate is expected to work closely with the principal investigator and other lab members on research projects related to neuronal development, neuron migration, and nervous system morphogenesis. The candidate will plan and execute experiments including maintaining and breeding mice, collect samples, perform immunohistological assays, image and record data, and genotyping. The candidate will also play a key role in animal inventory and care, maintaining lab supplies, and general laboratory organization.
• The candidate is expected to actively communicate with the PI to design, execute, and analyze data from research projects the candidate is directly involved with. Moreover, the candidate is expected to review and be up to date with scientific literature related to their project from appropriate journals, including but not limited to:
  Development, Neuron, Nature Neuroscience, and Developmental Cell.
• The candidate will participate in weekly lab meetings, departmental seminars such as Research in Progress seminars, and other relevant research seminars on campus. In these meetings, the candidate will: present their own research results or recent research journal articles relevant to the projects and/or engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Neurobiology, Cell Biology 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 of 3-month 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 PCR-based genotyping, histological techniques, shRNA cloning, cell culture, microscopy and western blotting is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills