Research Specialists - Sherlock Lab

The Sherlock Lab within the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for Research Specialists. Under the direction of Assistant Professor Madeline Sherlock, the specialists will contribute to a research program investigating the structure and function of RNAs from viruses that regulate translation of the viral genome.

Duties will include regularly taking inventory and tracking the use of lab supplies, stocks, and reagents; ordering needed lab supplies and equipment and tracking orders; preparing standard lab reagents and common solutions for use by all lab members; tracking use of lab equipment, coordinating repair and maintenance contracts when necessary; ensuring lab compliance with campus health and safety regulations.

The selected candidates will be trained and then expected to independently perform basic molecular biology and biochemical procedures such as PCR, cloning, plasmid sequencing, RNA preparation, and protein purification to support ongoing research efforts by other lab members. The selected candidate may pursue an independent research project under mentorship of Dr. Sherlock and/or other members of the lab, if desired, assuming they are in good standing with the above duties.

The selected candidate will be expected to stay current with the scientific literature in the field and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals. This position will require excellent organizational skills and the ability to successfully work as a member of an interdisciplinary research team.

Applicants with any of the following areas of experience are strongly encouraged to apply: Experience with preparation of stock reagents (buffers, salt solutions, etc.); experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR and molecular cloning; experience with RNA biochemistry, RNA and protein purification; and/or experience with mammalian cell culture.

Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department: https://mcd.ucsc.edu

• B.S./B.A. degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field. It is anticipated that the degree will be completed by June 30, 2025.
  
  For applicants who do not possess the required degree when they submit their applications, they must document in their application materials (e.g., c.v., cover letter, etc.) that their projected date for completing their degree will be on or before June 30, 2025.

• A minimum of one year lab experience using molecular biology or biochemistry techniques and assays (experience gained as an undergraduate or post-degree will be accepted).

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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
  

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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