Human Lab Rat Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

The incumbent for this position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in research on human and nonhuman primate brains at a laboratory at the MIND Institute. The candidate will also summarize data, prepare figures, and have the opportunity to assist in writing manuscripts for publication and grant proposals. The incumbent will also provide support for human brain banking programs (assist with donations, process brains, and organize storage and records). General responsibilities include:

I. RESEARCH ACTIVITY (85%)

• Specific research and technical activities: Provide technical support for ongoing research projects that focus on (i) understanding the impact of maternal infection on offspring brain development (preclinical models) and (ii) the development of amygdala in autism.
• Section and mount tissue, perform immunochemistry on tissues, collect and analyze results, participate in lab meetings and discussions, analyze slides and collect data. Assist with writing journal articles and assembling background data needed for publications.
• Specific duties: Sectioning, mounting, and staining glass slides of human, monkey and rat tissues using various techniques including, but not limited to, cell-body and immunohistochemical stains. Assist in further processing of tissues such as sectioning human brains on a microtome, mounting on slides and staining. Data collection using quantitative neuropathological techniques with a microscope and computer-aided software for data collection and quantitative analyses of tissue using, but not limited to, light, fluorescence, confocal, and electron microscopy. Knowledge of chemical principles and basic laboratory techniques are required for this function. Maintain general use chemicals and cleanliness of the laboratory. Provide assistance to other technicians, students, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Brain Bank Support Role: Available weekdays, nights, and occasional weekends to process incoming human brain donations on short notice. This includes preparing space for tissue handling, precisely sectioning unfixed human brains, freezing tissues with the use of liquid nitrogen, and taking photos and detailed notes during sectioning and cleanup. Maintain storage and database management of brain samples.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)

• Assist principal investigators in formatting figures for presentations, manuscripts, and grants.
• Attend local lectures and conferences

• Present abstracts at local meetings
  III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

• Assist PI in STEMM outreach efforts.

• Assist in outreach and education to the public on the importance of research.

• Assist with lab and specimen setup, preparation and cleanup for when PI is teaching graduate students and postdocs.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience or related field.
• Previous experience in neuroscience laboratory with demonstrated basic lab skills. (e.g., preparing laboratory reagents, maintaining laboratory equipment).
• Ability to maintain excellent and accurate records.
• Ability to transport self to and from community site locations.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel to create and edit data, manage data sets in spreadsheet, perform mathematical tasks accurately using formulas, and create documents.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft applications including Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, electronic calendaring and e-mail software (Outlook).
• Excellent organization skills, ability to focus and work with multiple interruptions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Operation of a computer system of data entry several hours each day.
• May be required to lift items weighing as much as 25 lbs, may be required to do bending, stooping, and sitting for periods of time.
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment (pipette, centrifuge).
• Ability to operate sliding microtome and cryostat via sitting for extended periods of time and performing repetitive motions involved in tissue sectioning.
• Must be able to wear lab appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as lab coats, gloves, face shield, and goggles.

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience or related field (required at the time of start)

• Previous experience in neuroscience laboratory with demonstrated basic lab skills. (e.g., preparing laboratory reagents, maintaining laboratory equipment).
• Ability to maintain excellent and accurate records.
• Ability to transport self to and from community site locations.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel to create and edit data, manage data sets in spreadsheet, perform mathematical tasks accurately using formulas, and create documents.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft applications including Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, electronic calendaring and e-mail software (Outlook).
• Excellent organization skills, ability to focus and work with multiple interruptions.

• 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

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.