POSITION OVERVIEW

Position title: Junior Specialist
Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $56,300 -$60,000 annually.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: August 1st or later.
Position duration: Initial appointment is for one year, full time with benefits. Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Neuroscience Research Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a full-time Junior Specialist in the Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering (LSCBE). The appointee will develop methods to optimize the generation, maintenance and analysis of stem cell derived retinal pigmented epithelial cells (RPE) and retinal organoids cultures. The Junior Specialist will conduct experiments working towards developing therapeutics for inherited retinal disorders including testing small molecules and applying gene therapies. The appointee will develop procedures to maintain and use highly advanced novel research equipment which was recently purchased for LSCBE. The appointee will enable research as part of a team, managed by senior laboratory personnel and support ongoing research activities.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Generate and maintain stem cell-derived organoid cultures
• Conduct experiment-related tasks that include: characterizing patient derived/CRISPR edited organoid models, molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics.
• Assist in experimental design and optimization
• Analyze, interpret, and present data in lab meetings or reports
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records
• Establish procedures for use and maintenance of novel advanced research equipment

Department: https://www.nri.ucsb.edu/
Lab: https://labs.mcdb.ucsb.edu/clegg/dennis/
Lab: https://www.stemcell.ucsb.edu/

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or a related field

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• 1 year research experience including basic methods and techniques of stem cell and organoid culture, analysis and maintenance, cell line expansion, IHC, ICC, Western blotting, qPCR
• 1 year experience with microscopy data compilation, statistical analysis, including Microsoft and Google Suite softwares and GraphPad PRISM

Preferred qualifications

The ideal candidate will have experience in:

• Laboratory equipment maintenance
• Strong organizational and communication skills

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements
-
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
-
Statement of Research

REFERENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 3-4 required (contact information only)
  Please provide the names and complete contact information for 3 references. References for the finalists may be contacted if necessary, at the committee’s discretion, before extending an offer.
  Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02994
  Help contact: cushing@lifesci.ucsb.edu

• Generate and maintain stem cell-derived organoid cultures
• Conduct experiment-related tasks that include: characterizing patient derived/CRISPR edited organoid models, molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics.
• Assist in experimental design and optimization
• Analyze, interpret, and present data in lab meetings or reports
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records
• Establish procedures for use and maintenance of novel advanced research equipmen