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Evolutionary Biology Assistant Researcher

Position overview

Position title: Evolutionary Biology Assistant Researcher (Jr. Specialist - Asst. Specialist)
Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience (see section D. Qualifications of the CAPM 602.230 Specialist Series The posted). UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, Represented Specialist Series Fiscal Year. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position is $51,300 - $62,500.
Percent time: Full-time (100%)
Anticipated start: January 1, 2024
Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: October 19, 2023

Most recent review date: Thursday, Nov 23, 2023 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: Friday, Oct 18, 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 Macias-Muñoz Lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for an Evolutionary Biology Assistant Researcher. Under the direction of Assistant Professor Aide Macias-Muñoz, the researcher will assist with evolutionary and genetics research, experimental design and setup, data analysis, and lab administration.

In the Macias-Muñoz Lab, we use genetics and genomics to study the molecular underpinnings of complex trait evolution. Our research focuses on understanding the development and evolution of sensory systems using cnidarians. We employ techniques such as DNA sequencing for genome analysis, RNA-seq for differential expression analysis, ATAC-seq for cis-regulation, single-cell RNA-seq for cell identification and trajectories, and in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for visual validations. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment with room for multiple dynamic research projects under the scope of the lab’s research objective.

The selected candidate must demonstrate the ability to acquire new skills, complete tasks independently, maintain meticulous organization, and devise innovative solutions to methodological problems.

Responsibilities will include general lab management and compliance, maintaining aquarium animal populations, extracting RNA and DNA for sequencing, sequencing library preparation, analyzing high throughput sequencing data, data management, and training and overseeing students. Individuals with experience working with cnidarians, generating and analyzing large data sets, and developing techniques for gene functional validations are encouraged to apply.

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: https://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/

Macias-Muñoz Lab: https://macias.sites.ucsc.edu

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
  • Bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent foreign degree) in evolutionary biology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related scientific field.
  • Experience in RNA/DNA extractions, high throughput library preparation, bioinformatics, and genetic analysis.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include three professional references along with their contact informationas well as your publications (if any). The search committee will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.

  • Cover Letter

Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01649

Help contact: szak@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