Assistant/Associate Specialist - Schreier Lab

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of research projects in the Genomic Variation Laboratory. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization, in this case conservation genetics and genomics. Within this area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with lab members and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (75% EFFORT)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving conservation genetics and genomics of fish, wildlife, and plant species. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:

1. Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
2. Publications on which the Specialist is an author.
3. Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
4. Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels

B. Serve as a research coordinator for conservation genetics and genomics projects conducted by PIs in the lab, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication within the laboratory, data collection/management, preparation of reports to funding agencies, and preparation of publications.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (15% EFFORT)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations
B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% EFFORT)

A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.
B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

TO APPLY: To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF04234. Applicants should submit cover letter, curriculum vitae. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide three reference letters.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Andrea Schreier, amdrauch@ucdavis.edu.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender.

Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in genetics and genomics techniques

• Proficiency in standard molecular genetics techniques (e.g. DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis)
• Prior experience preparing libraries for high throughput sequencing
• Prior experience managing laboratory supply inventory
• Prior experience managing supply accounts
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects at once
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Prior experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Prior experience managing a laboratory
• Ability to prepare RAD-seq, whole genome resequencing, bisulfite sequencing, or RNA libraries.
• Bioinformatics skills, preferably on a computing cluster
• Prior experience managing large datasets
• Prior experience using the Fluidigm platform
• Prior experience writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Prior experience writing and/or editing scientific reports or manuscripts
• Prior experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Familiar with genetic analysis software (ie: Genemapper, Sequencher, etc)
• Prior experience genotyping with microsatellites and/or SNPs
• Prior experience supervising technical staff

• 3-5 letters of reference required