Employment Opportunities
Junior Specialist - Studies of Environmental Air Pollutants
- Open date: June 19, 2024
- Next review date: Friday, July 5, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
- Final date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
This position will aid in studies of environmental air pollutants that affect the immune responses in in vitro and in vivo systems.
This position entails carrying out molecular biology and biochemistry research studies in the Center for Health & the Environment. This research is under the
direction of Dr. Chris Vogel. The person should have a solid background in Molecular biology and biochemistry research. Knowledge in the field of
immunological methods is a plus.
Qualifications
- Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
• Bachelor degree in biology, environmental studies, or related fields with experience in laboratory research.
• Current Driver’s License.
• Experience in team-based work that requires communication and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of basic microscopy techniques.
• Knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of biology and biochemistry
• Ability to work independently and remain focused for periods of time while conducting procedures in laboratory at the bench or microscope.
• Ability to bend, squat, crouching and to pull and lift up to 50 pounds. - Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
• Additional skills in work with cell culture, immunological methods, preparation of histological tissue samples and staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) would be a plus.
• Experience working independently and remain focused for long periods of time while conducting procedures in laboratory at the bench or microscope.
• Experience with data analysis and technical writing.
• Knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and Access; ArcGIS and Program R software.
• Knowledge of statistics.
Major Responsibilities
- Research (90%)
RNA isolation, PCR analysis, Western blot techniques
• Preparing figures of evaluated data with excel
• Run statistics and compare expression levels of control and treated samples
• Maintaining of protocols, preparing tables and references and assistance with manuscript preparation
• Mentor undergraduates and junior researchers working on complementary topics
• Additional skills in work with cell culture, immunological methods, preparation of histological tissue samples and staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) would be a plus. - Actively involved in creative activities of publishing research and designing future research including reviewing journal articles; engaging in discussions of research to assist in interpreting results; and participating in design of studies as part of writing research proposals by applying experience to revise study designs.
- Professional Competence & Activity (5%)
Present research results at lab meetings and Journal club - University and Public Service (5%)
Candidate will take the lead in preparation of peer-reviewed articles, as well as participate as co-author in collaborative articles from group projects at WLIC. Candidate will also lead and participate in writing technical reports and articles for the popular press and social media.
Salary and Benefits
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 for a Junior Sepcialist at tep 1, or $56,600 at Step 2.
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Junior Specialist - Soil Characterization
- Open date: June 17, 2024
- Next review date: Friday, July 5, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
- Final date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
The UC Davis Institute of the Environment is seeking a highly motivated individual to collaborate with a large and diverse project team to support laboratory and field trials to evaluate co-application of organic amendments with enhanced rock weathering on agricultural landscapes. The appointee will co-lead soil sampling efforts and the installation and maintenance of sensor networks at two field sites (in Yuba and Fresno Counties). This position will be expected to lead and mentor undergraduate research assistants to assist with processing of soil samples and training for basic soil characterization experiments. The appointee will be responsible for a variety of soil characterization experiments such as total organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, mineral associated carbon, pH, bulk density, texture and other protocols as needed. The appointee will be in charge of management and archival of all data generated by the lab and sensor networks and will assist with data visualization and statistical interpretations of these data. This position is also expected to contribute to the development of online decision support tools by bringing soils expertise and data science skills to collaborate with tool developers.
General responsibilities include soil sampling, soil preparation, standard soil analysis, sensor installation, sensor upkeep, data processing in excel or other databases, data visualization, collaborative contribution to project deliverables. Field campaigns will include working outdoors in various weather conditions, including field areas where temperatures can reach extremes, working evenings or weekends for sampling events. Laboratory and office work is conducted during normal working hours in temperature-controlled office and lab facilities. Must be able to lift equipment up to 40 lbs.; must be able to withstand the weather and temperature-related working conditions as previously described with careful attention to personal safety and avoiding weather-related illness. Responsibilities may also include data analysis, statistical analysis, maintaining equipment in the field/lab, literature review, soil characterization experiments, and data entry and quality control of datasets. This position will help develop presentations, technical reports, and contribute to the preparation of journal articles. When possible, they will attend laboratory meetings, review journal articles, engage in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results, and may have the possibility of presenting research findings at technical meetings and professional societies.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
This Junior Specialist position must have prior experience in a soil characterization lab, strong problem-solving abilities, data science experience, and strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Strong organization skills and ability to successfully collect, organize, and maintain data are required, as well as ability to communicate critical project needs, changes, or challenges to senior staff and faculty in a collaborative setting.
- Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in soil science, ecology, agronomy, hydrology, geology or similar discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the hiring unit by start date.
- Ability to lift and maneuver 40 pounds throughout the day.
- Field experience sampling soil.
- Laboratory experience conducting standard soil characterization procedures.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Experience in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, R, GIS to summarize and analyze data.
- Exposure to data science techniques and operations.
- Proficiency in both written and verbal English.
- Good oral and written skills.
- Ability to read and explain material safety data sheets (MSDS) and knowledge of laboratory safety and proper use and handling of potentially hazardous
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with computer programing.
- Knowledge of soil sensor networks.
- Experience with big data.
- Knowledge and experience in using GPS equipment and GIS software ( e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS).
- Knowledge and experience in data management, QAQC, and statistical analysis.
- Ability to work with digital soil survey data and knowledge the data architecture.
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.
Responsibilities
- Research (95%):
The incumbent will assist in studies in consultation with the PI’s, and other project scientists. They will learn and conduct standard soil characterization experiments. They will contribute to field soil sampling events. They will help with collecting and summarizing data, may assist in data analyses, and will provide information to be used for annual and related reports. They will assist the project by writing annual permitting reports and by participating in lab discussions. They will contribute to- and provide feedback on any publications resulting from the work. - University and Public Service (5%)
The incumbent may participate in arrangement of space and safety within the laboratory.
Salary and Benefits
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 for a Junior Sepcialist at tep 1, or $56,600 at Step 2.