Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist-Campana Lab

Dr. Campana's lab within the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire one full-time or part-time employee as an Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist in Dr. Campana's lab. The incumbent will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in peripheral neuropathy, neuroimmune interactions, Schwann cell biology and extracellular vesicle communication.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Campana and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

The Specialist will collaborate with other research personnel in Dr. Campana's laboratory on research activities involving peripheral neuropathy, neuroimmune interactions, Schwann cell biology and extracellular vesicle communication. Specific duties include:

Core Technical Responsibilities:

1) Protein Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

* Perform protein isolation, purification, and characterization

* Conduct ligand-receptor interaction studies and contact-dependent cell signaling experiments

* Execute immunoblotting and protein expression analysis

* Utilize protein databases (e.g., AlphaFold) for structural analysis

* Develop novel peptide mimetics and/or nanosomes

2) Cell Biology and Microscopy

* Perform flow cytometry and nanosorting procedures

* Conduct immunofluorescence staining and analysis

* Operate confocal microscopy systems for high-resolution imaging

* Execute live cell imaging experiments

* Study glia: Immune cell interactions in vitro

3) Transcriptome and Molecular Analysis

* Perform RNA isolation, quantification and quality assessment

* Conduct gene editing procedures and qPCR analysis

* Support single-cell RNA sequencing projects

* Analyze transcriptome profiling data in collaboration with bioinformatics specialists

* Process and interpret gene and protein expression patterns

4) Systems Neurobiology and In Vivo Models

* Work with transgenic mouse models of peripheral neuropathy

* Perform tissue collection, processing, and analysis

* Conduct histological and immunohistochemical analyses

* Analyze mechanisms contributing to neuropathology

* Support studies of nerve injury and stress responses

5) Laboratory Management and Coordination

* Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper calibration

* Manage inventory of reagents and supplies

* Obtain and maintain appropriate laboratory safety protocols

* Train laboratory personnel on specialized techniques within area of expertise

* Troubleshoot technical problems and optimize experimental protocols

* Serve as research coordinator for projects conducted by PIs in the laboratory

6) Data Management and Reporting

* Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic records

* Prepare data summaries and visualizations for laboratory meetings

* Ensure uninterrupted communication between research team members

* Prepare technical reports tailored to meet the needs of investigators

* Contribute to manuscript preparation with acknowledgment of contributions

7) Contributions to Publishable Research

* Make technical or specialized contributions to research sufficient to receive formal acknowledgement in publications

* Potential for authorship on publications based on significant intellectual contributions

* Active dissemination of information through presentations at laboratory meetings.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

* Actively participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups (e.g., Society for Neuroscience, American Society for Cell Biology)

* Attend relevant seminars, workshops and conferences to maintain technical competence

* Review research proposals, journal manuscripts and publications related to area of expertise (at Associate/Full ranks)

* Present research findings at regional/national meetings (at Associate/Full ranks)

* Engage in continuing education to maintain and upgrade competency in specialized research methods

* Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in neuroscience and molecular biology

* Participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings

* Engage in outreach activities related to area of expertise as resources permit.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

* Participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings

* Contribute to departmental activities and seminars as appropriate

* Participate in committees within the department, school or campus (at higher ranks)

* Engage in outreach activities related to area of expertise as resources permit.

* Assistant Specialist candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree plus three or more years of research experience, or Master's degree in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field

* Associate Specialist candidates must have 6-10 years of experience in the specialized field; Master's degree in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field plus 2-5 years of experience in specialization; or PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field

* Full Specialist candidate must have 10+ years of experience in the specialized field; Terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent plus additional research experience; or Master's degree plus 6+ years of experience in research specialization

* Minimum 4 years of training and/or experience in field/specialty.

For the following areas, the Assistant Specialist must demonstrate proficiency in at least three of the four areas. The Associate Specialist must demonstrate advanced proficiency in at least three of the four areas, plus ability to train others and troubleshoot complex protocols. The Full Specialist must demonstrate expert-level proficiency in all four areas, plus demonstrated ability to develop new approaches/techniques and record of training and mentoring laboratory personnel:

* Protein Biochemistry: Protein isolation/purification, immunoblotting, ligand-receptor interactions, cell signaling, protein databases (AlphaFold), peptide mimetics/nanosomes

* Cell Biology & Microscopy: Flow cytometry, nanosorting, immunofluorescence, confocal/live cell imaging, glia: immune cell interactions

* Transcriptome & Molecular Analysis: RNA isolation, gene editing, qPCR, single-cell RNA sequencing, transcriptome profiling, gene/protein expression

* Systems Neurobiology: Transgenic mouse models, tissue processing, histology, immunohistochemistry, nerve injury/neuropathology studies.

* Research experience in neurobiology, peripheral neuropathy, or glia neuron: Immune interactions

* Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, ligand-receptor studies or nanoparticle tracking

* Active research laboratory experience with postdocs, graduate students and technicians

* Advanced microscopy and image analysis proficiency

* Proteomics and computational/bioinformatics analysis experience

* Extracellular vesicle or Schwann cell biology research background

* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

* Excellent written and verbal communication

* Independent and collaborative teamwork abilities

* Scientific writing and manuscript preparation proficiency.

• 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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