Junior Specialist

The Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full time Junior Specialist in Nuclear Medicine and Translational Cancer Research.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

The position of Junior Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment) 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. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Lorenzo Nardo. The ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment will be very important for this work.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85 % EFFORT)

Lorenzo Nardo, M.D., Ph.D. is a UC Davis Professor of Radiology, Director of Division of Nuclear Medicine, Director of Theranostics Clinic and Co-Director of the EXPLORER Molecular Imaging Center. He leads a program in Nuclear Medicine and Translational Cancer Research. Dr. Nardo collaborates extensively with Dr. Nicholas Mitsiades and Dr. Emanual Maverakis.

Nicholas Mitsiades, MD, PhD is a UC Davis Professor of Medicine and the Chief Translational Officer; Associate Director for Translational Research of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Mitsiades' research team conducts cutting edge clinical research and is responsible for coordinating basic science ancillary studies for many ongoing studies at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. A major focus of his clinical activities is to expand the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and NGS-based Precision Oncology approaches in order to improve clinical outcomes for patients with cancer. Dr. Mitsiades shares laboratory space with Dr. Maverakis, the Director of the UC Davis Immune Monitoring Core, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with an Illumina MiSeq sequencer, Eppendorf epMotion 5075t for automated liquid handling, two 10X Genomics Chromium X Series controllers, a 10X Genomics Xenium analyzer, and a Bio-Rad Bio-Plex 200 multiplex array system ready among other instruments. In addition, Dr. Maverakis is funded by numerous groups for the purpose of conducting basic scientific research. It will be expected that the incumbent in this position will also perform some duties for Dr. Mitsiades in the shared lab space.

The incumbent in this position will:

• Serve as the Molecular Navigator in the Cancer Center clinic, facilitating and coordinating the implementation of NGS testing for the cancer patients.

• Additionally, the incumbent in this position will contribute to translational and basic science research projects by
  
  * Supporting and coordinating clinical studies that may involve industry sponsored Phase I, II, III, and IV clinical trials and investigator initiated (government-funded) translational studies.
  
  * Preparing documents for submission to the IRB
  
  * Communicating with sponsors
  
  * Recruiting and screening study participants
  
  * Coordinating participant clinical visits, and follow-up care, and ensure compliance with study protocols
  
  * Assisting in all activities related to clinical trials and translational research.
  
  * Analyzing DNA-Seq and RNA-Seq datasets.
  
  * Running assays as part of the Immune Monitoring Core and Maverakis/Mitsiades Lab Research, including but not limited to multi-plex analyte detection, cell culture, next generation sequencing, and quantitative real- time PCR.
  
  * General Responsibilities: Managing datasets, records, and research documentation.
  
  * Educating and mentoring volunteers and students in the laboratory as required.
  
  * Establishing and maintaining animal cell culture lines using sterile techniques.
  
  * Preparing sterile media/reagents and maintaining sterile facilities.
  
  * Updating/modifying standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10 % EFFORT)

* Participate in appropriate professional/technical groups and other educational and research organizations. For example, attend and present at the Radiology Grand Rounds and other UC Davis departmental Grand Rounds, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center GenitoUrinary Innovation Group meetings, etc.

* Participate in publication of research activities such as reviewing journal articles and presentation.

* Develop and submit publications including abstracts and manuscripts.

* Attend and present at local and national research meetings and conferences, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary (ASCO-GU) Cancers Symposium or the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5 % EFFORT)

* Participate in activities of Lab Safety Committee (Departmental)

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06897.

* Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) with a major in Biology, Genetics or a related field

OR

* At least twelve months of relevant experience working in a research lab.

* Experience working in a research laboratory or using specific research methods and techniques in the fields of Oncology or Molecular Biology.

* Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions, continually learn and grow, quickly and effectively learning to use new tools and apps, systems and processes in a continually changing environment.

* Demonstrated skills using Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

* Demonstrated knowledge in lab practices and relevant lab procedures and safety protocols, regulations and guidelines, plus maintaining inventory and records.

* Excellent verbal communication skills to effectively and professionally communicate to internal and external constituents.

* Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills and multitasking skills.

* Demonstrated problem solving skills, utilizing available resources and good judgment.

* Demonstrated ability to understand scientific papers and theories.

* Demonstrated strong writing and editing skills, including but not limited to writing summaries, reports, and correspondence using accurate and professional grammar, spelling and punctuation.

* Accomplished organizational and administrative skills to assume general assignments and independently follow through to successful completion.

* Demonstrated ability to anticipate problems/ roadblocks and associated consequences, and take appropriate initiative on behalf of lab team and PI.

* Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience (twelve months of relevant experience in a research lab), preferably in biological or physical sciences.

* Demonstrated familiarity with UC Davis laboratory research, systems and processes.

• 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.
• 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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We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

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