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Genomics Institute: Research Specialist, Stem Cell Models

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Position overview

Position title: Stem Cell Specialist (Assistant Specialist - Associate Specialist ranks)
Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience (see rank qualifications)
Percent time: Full-time (100%)
Anticipated start: As soon as possible after initial review of the applications.
Position duration: Initial appointment will for one year. Reappointment may be considered contingent upon the availability of work and appropriate funding.

Position description

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute Organized Research Unit, at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Stem Cell Models Research Specialist in the Salama/Haussler laboratory. Under the direction of Dr. Sofie Salama, the research specialist will support and contribute to research that uses human and non-human primate pluripotent stem cells and high throughput sequencing assays to understand the evolution and function of genomic innovations that drive new gene regulatory programs and human brain development. This work will involve using genetic engineering to generate pluripotent stem cell lines that allow CRISPR/Cas9 based overexpression or knockdown screens, or enable expression of fluorescent reporters, optogenetic actuators or calcium sensors in a cell-type specific manner. Engineered cell lines will be used for generating pluripotent stem cell derived cerebral cortex organoids for phenotypic characterization using immunohistochemistry and high throughput sequencing-based measurements. The candidate will also make scholarly contributions to the research program through reading primary literature, participate in the preparation and/or editing scientific manuscripts and regular lab meeting presentations. In addition to supporting and contributing to research, the incumbent will support our UCSC-UCSF braingeneers project with lab operations support including assisting with ordering, reimbursement and spending reports, maintaining inventories, scheduling meetings, and communications. The candidate will be expected to learn new techniques and implement protocols, have strong attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, exercise good time management and problem-solving skills, and work effectively in a team environment.

Applicants with expertise in any of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply: pluripotent stem cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic engineering, cerebral cortex organoid culture and analysis including histology analysis of tissue sections, and/or high throughput sequencing-based gene expression analysis.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry.
At least two years of biological wet lab experience including mammalian cell culture and molecular biology experiments after obtaining a Bachelor’s or equivalent foreign degree.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter - Letter that summarizes in detail your qualifications and interest in the position and your experience in the following areas:
    a. With CRISPR/Cal9 gene editing
    b. With pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation.
    c. With high throughput sequencing.
    d. Supporting lab operations (ordering, budgets, chemical inventory, hazardous waste disposal and related functions)

Reference requirements
  • 3 letters of reference required

Note that your references, or dossier service, will submit their confidential letters directly to the UC Recruit System.

All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC’s confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm.

Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01008

Help contact: mlowenbe@ucsc.edu

About UC Santa Cruz

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, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by phone at (831) 459-2686.

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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check (see https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify). The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz (see https://apo.ucsc.edu/policy/capm/102.530.html).

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.

UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website at https://www.hercjobs.org/regions/higher-ed-careers-northern-california/ to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance. For information about employee benefits please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

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.

VISIT UC Santa Cruz: https://www.ucsc.edu

Job location

Santa Cruz, California