Junior Specialist – Dr. Marsh-Armstrong Lab, UC Davis Eye Center

Junior Specialist Position Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science UC Davis School of Medicine The laboratory of Dr. Nicholas Marsh-Armstrong conducts basic science research involving retinal and optic nerve cellular and molecular biology, genome engineering, and imaging experiments principally in Xenopus laevis, but also in other vertebrate animals including mice and non-human primates.

The laboratory also manages the Tupper Hall Xenopus Facility, and official UC Davis Animal Facility. Major Responsibilities & Designated Areas of Expertise : I. Research in Specialized Areas (85% EFFORT) The incumbent in this position will: Participate in planning, execution, and presentation of experiments involving cellular and molecular biology, protein biochemistry, histology and animal surgery as well as imaging.

Perform laboratory managerial duties, including ordering, updating of inventories, managing compliance with regulatory requirements, and assisting with maintenance of equipment and supplies. Take leadership role in care of frog colony, with assistance of other lab personnel. Independently carry out experiments related to an assigned project or projects.

Assist in activities related to research being carried out by others in the lab, as needed. Attend and occasionally present at a weekly lab meeting held together with other laboratories. Generate novel DNA reagents by molecular biology. Generate genetically modified Xenopus. Maintain careful records of all experiments.

Communicate with various University entities. Communicate with other laboratories and/or sponsors if needed. General Responsibilities: Manage datasets, records, and research documentation related to the laboratory. Manage datasets, records, and research documentation related to the Xenopus facility. Educate and mentor volunteer and students in the laboratory as required.

Establish and maintain lines of genetically modified frogs. Prepare reagents and maintain facilities. Update/modify standard laboratory and animal facility procedures. Ensure regulatory deadlines are met. II. Professional Competence & Activity (10% EFFORT) Prepare manuscripts for publications in collaboration with the principal investigator.

Manuscript preparation will include reviewing relevant literature, describing methods and results used to acquire the data, presenting and analyzing retrieved data, constructing clear and informative figures, interpreting the results and discussing how they fit in with the current understanding of the field. Present research findings to a larger audience at scientific conferences or meetings.

The incumbent will also assist in presenting progress reports and final summaries to granting agencies as well as to lab meetings and other meetings inside and out of UC Davis. Mentor undergraduate students and help mentor graduate students, including rotation students, from UC Davis. Actively contribute to lab activities through staff meetings and presentations to colleagues and researchers from various scientific communities.

III. University & Public Service (5 % EFFORT) Participate in activities in this domain as deemed appropriate and as recommended by PI. Skills/Qualifications: High degree of self-motivation and attention to detail. Good organization skills. Some molecular biology and/or other laboratory experience. Some experience working with research animals.

Able to learn new software applications to support research studies. Good verbal and written communication skills.