Junior Specialist (McKenney Lab)

Junior Specialist Position in Alzheimer's Disease and Tau Biology

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Junior Specialist in cell biology and neurodegeneration research.

Position Description

A Junior Specialist position is available immediately in the lab of Dr. Richard McKenney in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at UC Davis. The successful candidate will support ongoing research projects focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of tau protein dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies under the general guidance and supervision of the Principal Investigator. The position will utilize state-of-the-art single-molecule imaging, biochemical reconstitution, and cell-based assays to investigate how pathological tau phosphorylation patterns disrupt normal tau-microtubule interactions and promote tau aggregation.

Work will include, but not be limited to:

• Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy of tau dynamics on microtubules
• Biochemical reconstitution of tau-microtubule interactions using purified components
• Generation and characterization of phosphorylated tau variants
• Cell-based assays using authentic Alzheimer's disease brain-derived tau filaments
• Quantitative image analysis and biophysical modeling

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the interface of basic cell biology and translational Alzheimer's research, with direct access to patient-derived samples through collaboration with the UC Davis Alzheimers Disease Research Center.

Responsibilities

Research (85%)

1. Conduct experiments under the guidance of the PI using techniques including protein expression and purification, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy (TIRF), tau aggregation assays, and live-cell imaging

2. Perform quantitative analysis of tau dynamics, microtubule interactions, and aggregation kinetics

3. Collect, organize, analyze, and present data in group meetings

4. Maintain detailed experimental records, notes, and laboratory documentation

5. Assist the Principal Investigator with preparation of high-quality peer-reviewed manuscripts and grant submissions

6. Collaborate with researchers at the UC Davis Alzheimers Disease Research Center and other institutions as directed by the PI

Professional Competence (15%)

1. Provide technical assistance and mentoring for junior researchers (graduate students and undergraduates) as appropriate

2. Maintain lab stocks, reagents, and databases

3. Contribute to lab maintenance and organization

4. Assist with equipment maintenance and optimization of microscopy platforms

Questions

Please direct questions to Richard McKenney, rjmckenney@ucdavis.edu

To Apply: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07418

Qualified applicants should upload:

• Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
• Statement of relevant research experience and technical skills
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three references

Bachelor's degree in cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, neuroscience, or related field, OR equivalent research experience (minimum 12 months in a research laboratory). Demonstrated experience with fluorescence microscopy techniques is required.

Candidate must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and data and to archive and document reagents and data for publications and presentations.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols and procedures are essential. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team under the guidance of a supervisor.

1. Demonstrated ability to execute experimental protocols and learn new techniques with guidance from the PI

2. Strong written and oral communication skills

3. Ability to perform basic quantitative data analysis using software such as ImageJ/Fiji, Excel, or similar platforms

4. Basic understanding of laboratory safety and ability to work with biohazardous materials following appropriate safety protocols

5. Willingness to work flexible hours as needed for time-sensitive experiments (e.g., live-cell imaging)

6. Commitment to fostering a collaborative and respectful lab environment

1. Experience with protein handling and cell culture techniques

2. Prior experience with single-molecule or advanced imaging techniques (such as TIRF microscopy)

3. Background knowledge of tau biology, microtubule-associated proteins, or neurodegenerative disease research

4. Familiarity with mammalian cell culture and basic transfection methods

5. Experience with image analysis software or basic programming (Python, MATLAB)

6. Experience assisting with undergraduate or graduate student mentoring

7. Prior research experience in a neuroscience or biomedical research laboratory

• 3 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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