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Bhalla Lab - Research Specialist (Junior Specialist)
Position overview
Position title: Bhalla Lab - Research Specialist (Junior Specialist)Application Window
Open date: March 14, 2025
Next review date: Monday, Apr 14, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Mar 13, 2026 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 Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a junior specialist. Under the direction of Professor Needhi Bhalla, the junior specialist will participate in research on mitotic and meiotic chromosome dynamics in C. elegans.
Duties will include performing cytology (both live-imaging and immunofluorescence) and protein biochemistry with C. elegans; RNA interference and genetic experiments to validate genes; generating and maintaining worm strains; molecular biological techniques such as PCR, cloning, and recombinant protein expression; and day to day administrative running of the lab.
The selected candidate will be expected to stay current with the scientific literature in the field and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals. This position will require the junior specialist to consistently demonstrate excellent organizational, time management, and problem solving skills; the ability to perform tasks in a clean and organized manner, work accurately, meet deadlines, and communicate results; and to successfully work as a member of a diverse, interdisciplinary research team.
Applicants with any of the following qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply: expertise in working with C. elegans and performing genetics; molecular biology techniques such as DNA preparation, PCR and ligation; or biochemical techniques such as protein purification, immunodetection, and cell staining.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.
Bhalla Lab: https://www.bhallalab.com/
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department: https://mcd.ucsc.edu
Qualifications
- B.A. or B.S. degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in biology or a related field (e.g., genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.) It is anticipated that the degree will be completed by June 12, 2025.
- A minimum of one year of lab experience using basic molecular biology techniques and assays (it is acceptable for the experience to be gained as an undergraduate or after the degree has been earned).
Your application must demonstrate that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement. For applicants who do not possess the required degree when they submit their applications, they must document in their application materials (e.g., c.v., cover letter, etc.) that their projected date for completing their degree will be on or before June 12, 2025.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include the names and contact information for a minimum of three professional references. The hiring unit will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.
Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your research interests, qualifications, and interest in the position.
Help contact: mkistler@ucsc.edu
About UC Santa Cruz
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 Anti-Discrimination Policy.
It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.
Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. 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. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.
UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.
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 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.
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.
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