Al-Bassam Lab Junior Specialist

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Junior Specialist in molecular and structural biology.

Position Description:

Research and lab maintenance (80%) This position will be involved in interdisciplinary biochemical and structural biology studies focusing the mechanism of microtubule regulatory t assemblies in regulating the polymerization of dynamic ciliary and cytoplasmic microtubules. The candidate will assemble DNA plasmids using molecular biology methods such as PCR and Gibson assembly Methods. The candidate will baculovirus mediated insect cell expression, and human tissue culture cell transfections to produce and isolate multi-subunit recombinant protein complexes and reconstitute these complexes with tubulin or dynamic microtubules. The candidate will use biochemical reconstitution approaches, and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy methods to visualize and assay microtubule polymerization and study the activities of purified regulatory assemblies and their impact on tubulin polymerization into microtubules. The candidate will also contribute to lab maintenance and upkeep.

Service (10%) The candidate will provide mentorship for undergraduate students in the lab and provide basic training and maintaining lab stocks and databases.

Professional Competence (10%) Finally, the candidate will carry-out data analyses, prepare figures, and assist writing manuscripts for publication and grant proposals, as well as presenting their research in regular group meetings. The ideal candidate will have a prior background in structural biology research and strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology or a related field with a minimum of nine months to one year experience in related laboratory research. Other qualifications include research experience including molecular cloning and manipulation using PCR, Gibson assembly, protein expression using baculovirus insect cells and transfections of human cells in tissue culture as well as experience using an AKTA purifier FPLC system, working knowledge of operating a Nikon TIRF microscope. The candidate Must have experience in recombinant protein isolation and manipulation. and should be experienced in protein purification methods using a variety of chromatography methods. The candidate must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and data and to archive, label and document graphic and tabular data for publication, proposals, and/or presentations. Experience with molecular cloning of DNA plasmids using Gibson methodology is a must. Prior work with cytoskeletal proteins is highly desirable.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor degree in Biochemistry and Molecular biology, or a related field, with some lab experience. Experience must include molecular biology skills such as PCR, DNA extraction, mutagenesis, Experience in protein expression using baculovirus expression and Purification of multiprotein complexes using affinity, ion exchange, and gel filtration chromatography. The candidate must have extensive experience in maintaining eukaryotic cell cultures for protein expression, including insect (Tn5 and Sf9) cells and human (HEK293) cell cultures. Must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and be able to document graphic and tabular data for publication, proposals, and/or presentations. Experience with software programs including Excel and sequence programs is a plus. 

Preferred qualifications

Previous experience or coursework in studying genetics. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team

Salary Range:

Junior Specialist: A reasonable estimate for this position is $51,300 at Step 1 (@ 100%) or $54,600 at Step 2 (@ 100%)

Junior Specialist NEX: A reasonable estimate for this position is $24.57/hr at Step 1 or $26.15/hr at step 2

Position Available/Closing Date:

The posting will remain open until Feb 9th, 2024 to accommodate department needs.

Term of Appointment:

six months appointment will initially be made, and maybe extended based on the needs of the research project. Appointments may be made up to 80%.

Apply:

To apply, please use UC Davis Recruit 

Qualified applicants should upload a cover letter, research statement describing their research experience and skills, curriculum vitae. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for two references. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. 

Questions:

Please direct questions to Dr. Jawdat Al-Bassam, jmalbassam@ucdavis.edu.