Junior Specialist position in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology

In direct collaboration with the Principal Investigator, this position will be involved in studying the macroevolution evolutionary history and trait biodiversity of plants with an emphasis on members of the family Phymaceae, specifically the species Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus lacinatus

Research (80%)

The junior specialist is expected to work as a member of the research team. Work will include propagating and maintaining a diverse number of plant species in the genus Phymaceae including Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus lacinatus in both growth chamber and greenhouses. The junior specialist will be responsible for studying the development of plants with the use of microscopy (epi-illumination imaging, sectioning, microdissection) and quantification using Image J. The candidate is expected to develop experimental designs and protocols to successfully implement them while following strict quality assurance and safety guidelines, record data clearly and completely on paper datasheets and Excel spreadsheets, test hypotheses using statistical techniques including the use of ANOVAs and t-tests, and generate graphs and summary tables for presentations and publications.

Professional Competence (20%)

The Junior Specialist is expected to work semi-independently with oversight from the principal investigator, and postdocs. The candidate is expected to participate in design of the experimental plan and individual experiments. The candidate will keep a detailed laboratory notebook/digital notebook including experimental methods and results. The candidate will assist in preparing data figures and tables and written summary of results for progress reports. The Junior Specialist will participate in training undergraduate students and new graduate students and present research data in lab meetings and department retreats.

Baccalaureate degree in Life Science (e.g., Biology, Plant Biology and/or Molecular Biology, Environmental Science).

* Experience working with Mimulus

* Experience with microscopy

* At least a year of research experience

* Background in plant biology: Upper division undergraduate coursework in plant biology and/or research in plant biology lab

* Experience growing and crossing Monkeyflowers

* Experience in microscopy and imaging of plant reproductive (i.e., inflorescence and flower) development.

* Good quantitative skills.

* Knowledge and skills working with Microsoft suite (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint), Google suit (Google Sheet, Google Doc), data management and summation; and the programing language (e.g., R or Python) statistical analyses and visualization of data.

* Skills to carry out experiments with close attention to detail and limited supervision. Skills to pipette small volumes and perform serial dilutions. Ability to calculate chemical concentrations and dilutions.

* Record keeping skills to accurately record detailed research data collected throughout studies.

* Strong organizational skills. A positive, self-motivated, attitude and excellent problem-solving and skills too overcome technical challenges.

• 2-4 required (contact information only)

Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of 2 references. The committee will contact references for top candidates using the reference contact information provided.

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 or laws 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

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state or federal law.