Jr. Specialist-Finger Lab

This position provides technical, scientific, and organizational assistance to Dr. Mandi Finger's research at the Genomic Variation Lab (GVL) in the Department of Animal Science. GVL/Finger Lab research focuses on using molecular techniques to promote the conservation of threatened and endangered fish species in California and Nevada, including Delta Smelt, Longfin Smelt, and Lahontan cutthroat trout. The research addresses ecological and population genetics questions concerning genetic diversity and hybridization using a variety of genetic techniques. GVL research contributes to the fundamental knowledge about fish and wildlife populations of interest and informing collaborating agencies when making management decisions (e,g., additional protection, prioritization for translocations, captive breeding programs).

Research 90%

The Junior Specialist will be required to perform diverse molecular methods, maintain accurate and organized datasets, and effectively allocate work time between diverse tasks (ability to multitask is a must). Resourcefulness, strong attention to detail, openness to feedback, and the ability to adapt fluidly as research projects progress will be important for success. The candidate should understand fundamental ecological concepts as well as basic genetic principles. Technical skills developed in this position include sterile techniques, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, microsatellite fragment analysis, gel electrophoresis, working with 96-well plates, chip-based SNP genotyping, and Illumina library preparation.

The Junior Specialist will analyze data according to established protocols and assist the PI in formatting data for reports. They will learn to utilize various data and statistical analysis software programs, including GeneMapper, Cervus, STRUCTURE, PmX, and GenAlEx. They will keep detailed laboratory notebooks documenting benchtop work and write and edit Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's); conduct peer-reviewed literature searches related to developing projects in the GVL; collaborate with other members of the GVL and other researchers when appropriate. They will be able to effectively communicate with a diverse array of colleagues in written and verbal form.

The Junior Specialist will assist the laboratory manager in consistent maintenance of lab equipment, and general upkeep of lab space. They will track inventory of all tissue and genomic DNA samples stored in the GVL. They will help the lab manager ensure that supplies are well -stocked and order supplies as needed, recording all expenses. They will keep track of chemical and safety records.

Successful candidates have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a desire to learn from and work with other lab members as well as project stakeholders, including agency biologists. Junior specialists in the GVL often move on to be successful graduate students or agency biologists and are often co-authors on contributed manuscripts. Ability to work independently is a must.

Professional Competence 5%

The Junior Specialist will be required to contribute to scholarly manuscripts through data collection and scoring, helping to write methods sections, and reviewing and commenting on draft manuscripts, for which they will earn co-authorship on peer reviewed publications.

University and Public Service 5%

The Junior Specialist will participate in mentoring undergraduate student assistants as well as instructing and training visiting scholars, graduate students, staff, and volunteers in laboratory procedures.

Upon start of work, Bachelor's degree in Biology, Genetics, Ecology or related field.

* Valid driver's license.

* Demonstrated experience conducting scientific research including evidence of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and adaptability to special and changing needs of activities.

* Demonstrated experience multitasking and fluidly switching between projects.

* Willingness and interest to learn new techniques.

* Excellent written and oral communication skills

* Demonstrated computer skills in word processing, data analysis, and statistical software: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and troubleshooting experience.

* Demonstrated organizational expertise in maintaining records, ordering supplies, updating inventories, and safety records.

* Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary to work with a diverse team from different backgrounds and with varying skill levels for the purpose of assisting/teaching/supervising laboratory members and student researchers in research protocols.

* Ability to conduct library and database searches.

* Proficiency in standard molecular genetics techniques (e.g. DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis)

* Ability to prepare RAD-seq libraries

* Experience handling large data sets (preferably genetic data)

* Bioinformatics skills

* Prior experience with chip-based high throughput SNP genotyping systems (Fluidigm preferred)

* 1+ years experience with all tasks described here within.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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.
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• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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