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Associate Specialist-Developmental Biology - Molecular and Cell Biology

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Position description

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley is seeking a highly motivated individual to carry out research in experimental embryology on the glossiphoniid leech Helobdella austinensis.

Responsibilities:
The main responsibility of the successful candidate will be to adapt reverse genetic techniques (transposon-mediated transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas9) for the Helobdella embryo and then apply them in combination with other techniques to questions of interest such as the developmental consequences of the extensively disrupted Hox gene cluster, and the regulation and function of Wnt and BMP signaling in the posterior growth zone of the leech.

Minimum/Basic Qualifications Required (By the time of application): Bachelor degree, or equivalent degree, in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related field. Applicant must have 4-5 years of experience in a laboratory setting.

Additional Required Qualifications (By start date):
The successful candidate should have a strong working knowledge of: 1) spiralian experimental embryology and development, ideally including Helobdella, including procuring, staging, handling and culturing live embryos, microinjection of embryonic blastomeres with lineages tracers, mRNAs and plasmids, processing embryos for in situ hybridization and immunostaining; 2) regular light, fluorescence and confocal microscopy and photomicrography; 3) molecular biology, including but not limited to the design and assembly of diverse constructs, optimization and trouble shooting of various immunostaining and in situ hybridization techniques. S/he should must be able to work effectively and supportively in a small lab environment with individuals from undergraduate to faculty.

Preferred Qualifications (By start date):
Background and fluency in bioinformatics and evolutionary developmental biology are preferred; highly developed skills in writing/illustrating and oral communication; Ph.D., or equivalent degree, in Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related field preferred.

Appointment:
This position reports to Dr. David Weisblat. The initial appointment will be for 100% time for 1 year with the expectation of extension based on funding. The expected start date for this position will be April 1, 2016.

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

Salary: $53,124-63,960 depending on qualifications. This position provides full benefits.

To Apply: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF00956
Interested individuals should submit application documents as PDFs, which includes, an updated curriculum vitae, and names with contact information for at least 3-5 individuals who have agreed to provide a reference for this specific position and a cover letter. Letters of reference may be requested of the finalists.

Department Contact: Prof. David A. Weisblat, weisblat@berkeley.edu

All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html) prior to submitting their letters.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct. The department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their work.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Updated Curriculum Vitae

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)