Junior Specialist - Segarra Lab

The Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology at the University of California, Davis, invites applicants for a qualified Junior Specialist with the Segarra Lab.

Research in the Segarra Lab focuses on understanding how fish respond to environmental change and anthropogenic stressors. Our research examines the effects of environmental contaminants and stressors such as temperature and salinity using physiological and behavioral endpoints, complemented by molecular approaches, with applications to fish health and conservation.

The position includes fish husbandry, experimental exposures, behavioral and physiological assays, fish handling and dissection, biological sample processing, and data collection.

Laboratory studies will include controlled exposures to environmental contaminants, including insecticides and other chemicals, and experiments evaluating fish responses to temperature and salinity. The incumbent will conduct behavioral and environmental-tolerance assays. The position will also involve building and maintaining aquaria and experimental systems, including associated plumbing.

Field activities will include fish transport and collection of biological and environmental samples. Some field work will be conducted from boats and under variable weather conditions. Field work may involve carrying loaded coolers and other research materials weighing as much as 50 pounds.

Work will occur in both temperature-controlled facilities and wet-laboratory spaces where temperatures may vary considerably. Because fish care and experimental schedules do not always fall within regular working hours, the incumbent will be required to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

Travel between research facilities and/or field locations is part of the position. A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

The successful candidate should be organized, dependable, attentive to detail, and have strong problem-solving and communication skills. The position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

The Junior Specialist will have opportunities to contribute to research reports and scientific publications and to present research findings at scientific or technical meetings.

The duties of this position are designated as follows:

Position Description

Research (90%)

The Junior Specialist will contribute to the preparation and execution of laboratory and field studies in consultation with the PI and other research personnel.

Research duties will include fish husbandry; contaminant exposures; behavioral and environmental-tolerance experiments; fish handling, euthanasia, dissection, and sample processing; maintenance of experimental systems; field sampling; and collection, organization, quality control, and summary of research data.

The incumbent will participate in discussions of experimental methods and results and contribute to reports, publications, animal-use documentation, SOPs, and other research records. Additional responsibilities include helping maintain supplies, equipment, and laboratory spaces necessary for ongoing research.

Professional Competence (5%)

The Junior Specialist will participate in laboratory and project discussions and may attend scientific or technical meetings, interact with collaborators and resource-management agencies, and present research findings as appropriate.

University and Public Service (5%)

The Junior Specialist may assist with training and mentoring undergraduate or junior research personnel and participate in departmental, University, laboratory, or outreach activities.

Required at time of start

* A Bachelors degree in fisheries sciences, biology, ecology, conservation, toxicology, marine science, physiology, behavior, or similar degree in a discipline relevant or related to the research conducted in the unit hiring the appointee, or experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant research methods by the time of appointment.

Required at time of start

* At least one year of laboratory or field research experience.

* Experience collecting and organizing biological or experimental data.

* Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word or comparable software.

* Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

* Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.

* Knowledge of laboratory safety and safe handling of potentially hazardous chemicals.

* Ability to work directly with live fish, including handling, euthanasia, and dissection.

* Ability to conduct field work under variable weather and environmental conditions.

* Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for experiments and fish care.

* Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

* Commitment to a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

* Experience working with fish, particularly salmonids, smelt, or sturgeon.

* Experience with fish husbandry, aquaculture systems, and water-quality monitoring.

* Experience conducting fish experiments, aquatic toxicology studies, or controlled contaminant exposures.

* Experience with physiological or environmental-tolerance assays, including thermal, hypoxia, or salinity challenges.

* Experience conducting fish behavioral assays and/or using EthoVision XT, DanioVision, DanioScope, or similar systems.

* Experience with fish dissection, biological sample collection and processing, and standard fisheries measurements.

* Experience building and maintaining aquaria, plumbing, and experimental systems using basic hand and power tools.

* Experience transporting live fish and/or conducting field research.

* Experience working from boats in rivers, lakes, or other aquatic environments.

* Completion of a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or equivalent boating-safety certification.

* Experience with R or other statistical software.

* Experience preparing SOPs or supporting laboratory organization and safety.

* Experience training, supervising, or coordinating students or other research personnel.

• 3-4 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.

• "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 prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, 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

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