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Salama Lab: Research Specialist

Position overview

Position title: Salama Lab: Research Specialist (Junior and Assistant Specialist Ranks)
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 $53,100- $66,200.
Percent time: Full-time (100%)
Anticipated start: As soon as possible after initial review of the applications.
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: July 3, 2024

Most recent review date: Friday, Aug 2, 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

Professor Sofie Salama in the Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a research specialist. Under the direction of Professor Salama, the specialist will work as part of the UCSC Braingeneers Team to explore the evolution and development of the human brain using human and great ape organoid models of the developing brain. Experiments will include performing cell culture, electrophysiology and molecular biology. This work will involve culturing and modifying human and non-human primate pluripotent stem cells, generating brain organoids and characterizing them through electrophysiology, RNA and protein isolation and characterization.

In addition to performing these duties, the specialist will support lab operations by assisting with ordering supplies, chemical waste disposal, equipment maintenance, and other related functions.

The specialist will be expected to keep a detailed laboratory notebook and prepare written and oral reports describing experiment results. The specialist will also be expected to learn new techniques and implement protocols, have strong attention to detail, demonstrate 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, brain organoid generation, electrophysiology, and modification of hiPSC lines using CRISPR or Adeno-associated viruses.

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

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department: https://mcd.ucsc.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
  • A minimum of one year of biological wet lab experience, including mammalian cell culture and molecular biology experiments (it is acceptable for the experience to be gained as an undergraduate or after the degree has been earned).

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include contact information for three professional references along with their contact information. The hiring unit will conduct reference checks for those applicants who are under serious consideration.

  • Cover Letter - A letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.

Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01795

Help contact: mkistler@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 Equity and Equal Protection Office at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by email at equity@ucsc.edu.

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at: https://compliance.ucsc.edu/campus-safety-compliance/annual-reports/. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

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