Junior Specialist for Immature Gut Biology Group (Pediatrics/Neonatal Gastrointestinal Physiology and Immunology)

JUNIOR SPECIALIST - IMMATURE GUT BIOLOGY COLLABORATIVE

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for 1 full-time Junior Specialist in neonatal gastrointestinal physiology and immunology.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The Junior Specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to plan and execute research projects, and to assist with data collection, quality control, literature reviews, and data analysis. The Junior Specialist will work under the supervision of Dr. Geoanna Bautista and must demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The candidate will join Dr. Bautista's research team, which investigates neonatal gut dysfunction and dysmotility. The lab focuses on mechanobiology and ion channel signaling (e.g., Piezo1-mediated) that control normal gastrointestinal development and motility, and on how these processes are disrupted in utero by insults such as chorioamnionitis and congenital anomalies (e.g., gastroschisis) and further compromised by preterm birth. The central premise is that early disruption of mechanosensitive and ion channel signaling in the developing intestine sets the stage for postnatal gut dysmotility and dysfunction in the neonate. To address this, the lab integrates in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro approaches using transgenic and experimental mouse models and, through active collaborations, extends this work to surgically obtained human neonatal intestinal tissue and large-animal models (lambs, primates). The long-term goal is to define how immature or impaired development of the small intestine predisposes neonates to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating and often deadly disease affecting preterm and a subset of term infants, and to identify smooth muscle and mucosal signaling pathways that could open up novel pathways for future therapeutic strategies at the bedside.

I. RESEARCH (80% Effort)

A. The Junior Specialist will collaborate with research personnel in neonatal gastrointestinal physiology, mechanobiology and ion channel signaling. Specific duties include:

a. Plan and execute research projects involving wire myography, live calcium imaging, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence imaging in neonatal intestinal tissue and smooth muscle preparations.

b. Perform ex vivo wire myography of intestinal smooth muscle preparations, including tissue dissection, mounting, force transduction, and pharmacological challenge protocols.

c. Perform and optimize live calcium imaging experiments using fluorescent calcium indicators (e.g., Fluo-4, Fura-2, GCaMP) on ex vivo intestinal tissue and isolated smooth muscle cells.

d. Perform immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining of intestinal tissue sections and cells, with imaging on widefield fluorescence, confocal, and multiphoton microscopy platforms and quantitative analysis using ImageJ/Fiji or Imaris.

e. Handle live neonatal and adult mice, including oral gavage, intraperitoneal injections, genotyping support, and necropsies to obtain intestinal tissue and cells for further processing.

f. Perform molecular and biochemical assays, including cell dissociations, western blots, RNA/protein extraction, and PCR/RT-PCR.

B. In addition, the Junior Specialist will also be expected to contribute to the general maintenance of and workflow of the lab, including:

a. Manage datasets, records, and research documentation, including raw data files, protocols, and analysis pipelines.

b. Maintain laboratory equipment (e.g., balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, cryostat, laminar flow hoods) and keep work areas clean, stocked, and free of contamination.

c. Update standard laboratory procedures (SOPs) as needed, and assist with data archiving, data summaries, and manuscript preparation and submission.

d. Other related duties as assigned.

C. The Junior Specialist will also assist with grant preparation, create figures and graphics for publications, and review journal manuscripts relevant to neonatal gut physiology.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (10% Effort)

The Junior Specialist will actively disseminate research findings at professional and technical society meetings beyond the UC Davis campus and contribute to the scholarly output of the lab. This includes participation in Pediatrics and Physiology and Membrane Biology departmental seminars, presentations at professional and technical conferences, literature review of journal manuscripts relevant to ongoing studies and protocols, and continuing education, workshops, or training aligned with the lab's research priorities.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% Effort)

The Junior Specialist will provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants, graduate rotation students, and medical students rotating through the lab. They will be expected to participate in lab-related committee service for lab safety, animal care, and facilities management.

QUALIFICATIONS (Basic qualifications are required at time of application.)

* Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) with a major in Biological Sciences, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related field.

* Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and make critical decisions.

* Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills.

* Demonstrated hands-on research experience with wire myography and/or isometric force measurement of smooth muscle contractility.

* Experience with immunofluorescence staining and confocal or multiphoton microscopy for tissue and/or cell imaging.

* Documented experience performing live calcium imaging using fluorescent calcium indicators (e.g., Fluo-4, Fura-2, GCaMP) on ex vivo tissue or isolated cells.

* Experience working with live rodents, including handling, injections (IP, oral gavage), and tissue harvest.

* Excellent written and oral communication skills.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION (Required at time of start date)

* Ability to travel between UC Davis Health (Sacramento campus) and UC Davis main campus (Tupper Hall, Davis) on a regular basis to support research activities across both sites.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Experience with neonatal, fetal, or perinatal rodent models.

* Knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology, enteric neuroscience, gut mechanobiology, or mucosal immunology.

* Experience with primary cell isolation, enteric smooth muscle dissociation, or intestinal organoid culture.

* Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (western blot, PCR/RT-PCR, RNA/protein extraction).

* Experience with quantitative image analysis software (ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris, MetaMorph).

* Prior experience with mechanosensitive ion channels (e.g., Piezo1, Piezo2) or calcium signaling in smooth muscle.

* Demonstrated proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry, including panel design, fluorescence compensation, gating strategy, and data analysis using FlowJo or equivalent software.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualified applicants should upload a cover letter detailing their qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae or resume and contact information for 3-5 professional references.

* Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) with a major in Biological Sciences, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related field.

* Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and make critical decisions.

* Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills.

* Demonstrated hands-on research experience with wire myography and/or isometric force measurement of smooth muscle contractility.

* Experience with immunofluorescence staining and confocal or multiphoton microscopy for tissue and/or cell imaging.

* Documented experience performing live calcium imaging using fluorescent calcium indicators (e.g., Fluo-4, Fura-2, GCaMP) on ex vivo tissue or isolated cells.

* Experience working with live rodents, including handling, injections (IP, oral gavage), and tissue harvest.

* Excellent written and oral communication skills.

* Ability to travel between UC Davis Health (Sacramento campus) and UC Davis main campus (Tupper Hall, Davis) on a regular basis to support research activities across both sites.

* Experience with neonatal, fetal, or perinatal rodent models.

* Knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology, enteric neuroscience, gut mechanobiology, or mucosal immunology.

* Experience with primary cell isolation, enteric smooth muscle dissociation, or intestinal organoid culture.

* Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (western blot, PCR/RT-PCR, RNA/protein extraction).

* Experience with quantitative image analysis software (ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris, MetaMorph).

* Prior experience with mechanosensitive ion channels (e.g., Piezo1, Piezo2) or calcium signaling in smooth muscle.

* Demonstrated proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry, including panel design, fluorescence compensation, gating strategy, and data analysis using FlowJo or equivalent software.

• 3 letters of reference required

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.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.