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Junior Specialist - Division of Hematology/Oncology

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this Exempt position is $53,100 at Step 1 and $56,600 at Step 2. A reasonable estimate for Non-Exempt Position is $25.44/hr at Step 1 or $27.11/hr at Step 2 .

Application Window

Open date: December 2, 2024

Most recent review date: Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 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

JUNIOR SPECIALIST
The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full time Junior Specialist in Translational Cancer Research.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
The position of Junior Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Nicholas Mitsiades and the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85 % EFFORT)

Nicholas Mitsiades, MD, PhD is a UC Davis Professor of Medicine and the Chief Translational Officer; Associate Director for Translational Research of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr Mitsiades’ research team conducts cutting edge clinical research and is responsible for coordinating basic science ancillary studies for many ongoing studies at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Mitsiades shares laboratory space with Dr Maverakis, the Director of the UC Davis Immune Monitoring Core, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with an Illumina MiSeq sequencer, Eppendorf epMotion® 5075t for automated liquid handling, two 10X Genomics Chromium X Series controllers, a 10X Genomics Xenium analyzer, and a Bio-Rad Bio-Plex 200 multiplex array system ready among other instruments. In addition, Dr Maverakis’ research group is funded by numerous groups for the purpose of conducting basic science. It will be expected that the incumbent in this position will also perform some duties for Dr. Mitsiades in the shared lab space.

The incumbent in this position will:
Contribute to translational and basic science research projects by
• Providing and coordinating clinical studies that may involve industry sponsored Phase I, II, III, and IV clinical trials and investigator initiated (government-funded) translational studies.
• Prepare documents for submission to the IRB
• Communicate with sponsors
• Recruit and screen study participants
• Coordinate participant clinical visits, and follow-up care, and ensure compliance with study protocols
• Assist in all activities related to clinical trials and translational research.
• Run assays as part of the Immune Monitoring Core and Maverakis/Mitsiades Lab Research, including but not limited to multi-plex analyte detection, cell culture, next generation sequencing, and quantitative real- time PCR.

General Responsibilities:
• Manage datasets, records, and research documentation.
• Educate and mentor volunteer and students in the laboratory as required. Such as allowing them to shadow you while performing experiments.
• Establish and maintain animal cell culture lines using sterile techniques.
• Prepare sterile media/reagents and maintain sterile facilities.
• Update/modify standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10 % EFFORT)

• Participate in appropriate professional/technical groups and other educational and research organizations. For example, attend and present at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center GenitoUrinary Innovation Group meetings, attend UC Davis departmental Grand Rounds, etc.
• Participate in publication of research activities such as reviewing journal articles and presentation.
• Develop and submit publications including abstracts and manuscripts.
• Attend and present at local and national research meetings and conferences, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary (ASCO-GU) Cancers Symposium or the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5 % EFFORT)

• Participate in activities of Lab Safety Committee (Departmental)

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: One year with the possibility to extend to two years maximum. 100% appointment.

Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files via https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/apply/JPF06845.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Brenda Lavell at blavell@ucdavis.edu.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) with a major in Biology, Genetics or a related field
OR
• At least twelve months of relevant experience working in a research lab.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Experience working in a research laboratory or using specific research methods and techniques in the fields of Oncology or Molecular Biology.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions, continually learn and grow, quickly and effectively learning to use new tools and apps, systems and processes in a continually changing environment.
• Demonstrated skills using Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated knowledge in lab practices and relevant lab procedures and safety protocols, regulations and guidelines, plus maintaining inventory and records.
• Excellent verbal communication skills to effectively and professionally communicate to internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills and multitasking skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills, utilizing available resources and good judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to understand scientific papers and theories.
• Demonstrated strong writing and editing skills, including but not limited to writing summaries, reports, and correspondence using accurate and professional grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Accomplished organizational and administrative skills to assume general assignments and independently follow through to successful completion.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate problems/ roadblocks and associated consequences and take appropriate initiative on behalf of lab team and PI.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Bachelor’s degree and/ or equivalent experience, preferably in biological or physical sciences.
• Demonstrated familiarity with UC Davis laboratory research, systems and processes.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06845

Help contact: blavell@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

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, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, 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: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their "Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

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.

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.

2024 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2024 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Sacramento, CA