Jr. Specialist - Begun Lab

Dr. David Begun in the UC Davis Department of Evolution and Ecology seeks to fill a 70% position (with the possibility of increasing to 100% full-time position) at the Junior Specialist level starting Summer 2026. The focus of the lab is population and evolutionary genetics of Drosophila. The position is for one year with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will be responsible for the maintenance of our stock collection and will participate in collection and analysis of molecular and phenotypic data. The work will be conducted in Storer Hall.

The successful candidate will have completed an undergraduate degree in a biological discipline and have experience working with research organisms in a laboratory setting. Responsibilities will include maintenance of stocks, microdissection, isolation of RNA and DNA, planning and execution of phenotyping experiments, generation of experimental animals through genetic crosses, supervision of undergraduates, and assisting graduate students and postdocs. The candidate will participate in lab meetings and be responsible for maintenance of laboratory supplies and oversee lab safety procedures.

75% RESEARCH

Rear stocks used in experimental work. Create defined genotypes by implementing Drosophila crossing schemes. Carry out Drosophila phenotyping experiments. Work with PI, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in evaluating and implementing experimental procedures, and suggest modifications. Carry out microdissection of different developmental stages and tissues/organs. Assess quality of genomic DNA and RNA. Carry out PCR, RT- PCR, and quantitative PCR. Interact with Core facilities to arrange for sequencing data retrieval. Basic data analysis, including simple analysis of transcriptomic and genomic data from Drosophila. Assistance with manuscript preparation and editing, with a particular focus on materials and methods. Maintain laboratory notebooks on all experimental and computational work.

10% PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

Participate in weekly laboratory meetings, including presentation of their work or the scientific literature. Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students. Ensure all University safety procedures are being followed and annual safety trainings and certifications are performed when appropriate.

15% SERVICE

Assist with general lab oversight and maintenance. Coordinate and schedule research activities among lab members and collaborators. Assist undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and postdocs with Drosophila stock maintenance, implement and research/safety protocols.

B.A or B.S in a biological discipline.

Experience with Drosophila research.

Excellent organization skills.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to identify and solve problems encountered in laboratory research.

• 2-4 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, 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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