Fregoso Lab- Research Specialists (Junior- Associate Specialists)

The Fregoso Lab in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for one or more research specialists. Under the direction of Associate Professor Oliver Fregoso, the specialists will contribute to a research program investigating the molecular mechanisms of lentiviral replication, with a specific focus on uncovering the roles of the host DNA damage response in viral replication and antiviral innate immunity. General duties will include performing molecular and cellular biology experiments, routine lab management and maintenance, maintaining up-to-date laboratory databases, training new and incoming lab members on safe laboratory techniques, and contributing to the overall scientific progress of the lab.

The selected candidates will be expected to perform molecular and cellular experiments in human cells and cell lines in BSL2 and BSL2+ facilities, calculations for the preparation of lab solutions and reagents, and have a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles and laboratory safety. The selected candidates should have strong analytical skills, general computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and master basic computer programs, databases, and scientific applications, and organizational skills to maintain accurate notebooks of experiments performed and results obtained. The selected candidates 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 a diverse and interdisciplinary research team.

Applicants with any of the following qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply: experience with molecular & cell biology techniques such as cloning, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry; tissue culture experience working with mammalian cell lines and/or primary human cells; experience generating and working with viruses such as retroviral vectors, AAV, or lentiviruses such as HIV-1.

Fregoso Lab: http://www.fregosolab.org/

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

• B.S./B.A. degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field (e.g., genetics, microbiology, cell biology, etc.). It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by June 30, 2025.
• A minimum of one year of lab experience using molecular biology techniques and assays (experience gained as an undergraduate or post-degree will be accepted).

Your application must demonstrate that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement. 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.

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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