Assistant Project Scientist - Dini

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Department of Population Health & Reproduction at the University of California Davis seeks to hire a full-time (100%) employee as an Assistant Project Scientist. The Assistant Project Scientist makes significant and

creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses

the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The

appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Although the Assistant

Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an

independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc); they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research

or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it the automatic Principal Investigator status. The Assistant Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do

so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary role of this position is to oversee and perform embryo production for research and the IVP service at

the Veterinary Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, under the guidance of Dr. Pouya Dini. Key responsibilities

include:

* Collaboratively developing research programs within the laboratory.

* Assisting students and researchers in laboratory operations.

* Analyzing results, drafting manuscripts, and presenting findings at scientific meetings.

* Assisting in securing funding for the laboratory.

I. RESEARCH AND LABORATORY SERVICE (80%)

Research and laboratory activity (70%)

The core responsibility of this position is to act as the senior embryologist in the laboratory (performing oocyte search, IVM, IVF, ICSI, IVC, embryo biopsy, embryo vitrification, management of the archive samples, and oversees the laboratory technician, catering to both the in vitro embryo production service and research needs.

The role demands innovative contributions and collaborative efforts to foster a vibrant service and research program focused on in vitro embryo production in horses. In collaboration with the Principal Investigators, the candidate will help shape research objectives. They will also guide students and technicians on technical facets of the research. This encompasses method development, addressing challenges, interpreting results, and strategizing subsequent experiments.

Publication (5%)

The candidate will prepare manuscripts and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and other outlets in collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (5%)

The candidate will assist in the acquisition of funding from federal and state agencies and other funding

organizations. The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting

agencies. The candidate will interact with funding agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant

components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10%)

The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and

will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend

seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to the public and professional interest groups.

When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10%)

The candidate will engage in university service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service.

* Hold master and PhD degree and a minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience.

* Advanced proficiency in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo biopsy in horses.s.

* Proficiency in In vitro embryo production (IVM, IVF, PA, IVC) of mouse, cattle, pig, goat and sheep.

* Expertise in embryonic stemcell (ESC) culture and related laboratory procedures.

* Proficiency in micromanipulation techniques, including cytoplasmic and pronuclear injections as well as ESC

injection.

* Competence in molecular-biology workflows: DNA/RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC),

immunocytochemistry (ICC), western blotting, and molecular cloning.

* Ability to provide innovative contributions and collaborative efforts to foster a vibrant service and research

program focused on in vitro embryo production in horses.

* Expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent

research program, but not required to develop an independent research program or reputation.

* Ability to prepare manuscripts and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and other outlets in

collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team.

* Ability to lead complex research projects independently, in consultation with the PI and with the assistance

of other members of the lab team.

* Familiar with NGS data and bioinformatic analysis.

* Ability to act as the senior embryologist in the laboratory, performing oocyte search, IVM, IVF, IVC, embryo vitrification, somatic cell nuclear transfer, and management of the archive samples

• 4-7 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.
• 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

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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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 for federal law.

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