Junior Specialist - Dawson lab - 2025

A junior specialist position is available in Dr. Scott Dawson's lab in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) in the College of Biological Sciences.

Research (90%)

This position involves creating CRISPR-based quadruple knockout and knockdown mutants in cytoskeletal proteins in the single-celled parasite Giardia lamblia. Prior research in molecular and cell biology is encouraged.

Specifically, the Junior Specialist will participate in publishable research in Giardia cytoskeletal structure and function. The research concerns developing genetic vectors and tools to tag, knockdown, and knockout specific Giardia cytoskeletal genes. The Junior Specialist will also participate in learning and using epifluorescence microscopy and image analysis. The position involves nucleic acid isolation, PCR, DNA electrophoresis, gene cloning, Giardia cell culture and transformation, and specialized imaging assays. The position also includes general laboratory maintenance such as ordering supplies, preparation of solutions and media, maintenance of cultures, freezing cell lines, and maintaining frozen stocks of cells and plasmids.

The Junior Specialist will perform experiments under the supervision of a current project scientist, graduate student, and the PI. Once trained, the Junior Specialist is expected to work semi-independently for basic techniques and protocols. The Junior Specialist will keep a detailed laboratory notebook including experimental procedures and results. The Junior Specialist also will participate in laboratory research meetings.

Service (10%)

The junior specialist will be expected to help train and mentor undergraduates and other lab members. Undergraduate students will typically help with basic tasks and complete small, related research sub-projects.

Department: https://mmg.ucdavis.edu

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a closely related field (or expected to obtain such a degree by start date). Some prior experience in a microbiology research lab is required and must include molecular biology skills such as cloning and PCR, or basic microscopy.

Prior laboratory experience in axenic culture of microbial eukaryotes or yeast, molecular biology and cloning, and fluorescence microscopy. The ideal candidate will also have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

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