2025 MMG Junior Specialist - Namekawa lab

A junior specialist position (60% appointment) in cellular and molecular biology is available in Dr. Satoshi Namekawa's lab in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) in the College of Biological Sciences.

Research 90%

The Jr. Specialist will participate in publishable research on epigenetic gene regulation in germ cells. This individual is expected to employ molecular-genetic, genomic, cell biology, and biochemical tools to study the molecular mechanisms and regulation in mouse germ cells. Full training will be provided. Techniques employed include but are not limited to, PCR, DNA electrophoresis, gene cloning, bioinformatics, light and fluorescence microscopy, and mouse genetics. Additional duties include general laboratory maintenance such as cleaning and sterilizing glassware, media and solution preparation, and maintenance of databases.

The Jr. Specialist will perform experiments under the direct supervision of the lab manager, postdoctoral fellows, and senior graduate students. They are expected to familiarize themselves with the current literature and techniques in the field. The Jr. Specialist is expected to understand the experimental rationale and hypotheses being tested, and to discuss details of experimental design with their supervisors prior to performing experiments. Once trained, this individual is expected to work independently on basic experiments and lab duties.

Overall, the Jr. Specialist should work semi-independently, planning their own work schedule and experiments, with guidance and oversight by their direct supervisors and the PI. They will keep a detailed laboratory electronic notebook including all experimental procedures and data. They will attend relevant internal campus seminar series and laboratory research meetings, where they will be expected to present their work. The Jr. Specialist will also have opportunities to participate in research conferences. They will organize and summarize final data in graphical and/or tabular form for presentation, publications, and grant proposals. They will also contribute to the writing and editing of manuscripts.

Service 10%

The Jr. Specialist will be expected to train and mentor undergraduate researchers. These students typically help with basic lab tasks and complete small 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). Previous experience in a biology research lab is required and must include cytology skills to analyze meiotic chromosome spreads and molecular biology skills such as PCR and DNA extraction.

Prior laboratory experience in cytological analysis of mammalian cells 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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