Junior Specialist-Ben-Shalom Lab

The Department of Neurology at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for Junior Specialist.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
The purpose of this position is to provide support, coordination, and leadership for research studies of Dr. Roy Ben-Shalom. In direct collaboration with the Principle Investigator, this position will be involved in characterizing the excitability of cultured neurons affected by different mutations. These functional studies will help determine the efficacy of genetic interventions for a variety of neurological disorders. Under general supervision, the employee will assist in growing, maintaining, and characterizing neurons from iPSCs and mouse models using Multi-Electrode Arrays (MEA) and perform data analysis of the MEA data. This is a critical position that will become integral to the success of gene modification studies moving forward.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Roy Ben-Shalom and the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

I. RESEARCH (90% Effort)
The incumbent will collaborate with other research personnel affiliated with research activities The junior specialist will perform technical/routine lab activities. Specific duties may include:

• Assist in planning, design and execution of experiments and scientific documentation and analysis of results.
• Perform laboratory functions and management under the supervision of the Principle Investigator including preparation of solutions, rodent handling and dissections, HD-MEA cell culture, collection and analysis of data, and laboratory maintenance (cleaning of glassware, autoclaving, stocking supplies) .
• Perform Data analysis of HD-MEA data under the supervision of PI and the computational lab staff.
• Maintain laboratory safety protocols, standards, and equipment.
• Perform HD-MEA chip recordings, troubleshoot recording issues and parameters for new recording methods.
• Participate in lab meetings and discuss current/future projects with research faculty and staff.
• Participate with research staff on peer-reviewed publications, grant proposals, research reports and talk/poster presentations.
• Coordinate aspects of research studies and provide support to research staff.
• Train and mentor research assistants on laboratory protocols and general laboratory operations.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort)
The successful candidate will engage in research and professional competence activities with the project investigators such as research reports and talk/research presentations. The candidate will participate in all lab meetings, discussing ongoing and future projects with research staff.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% Effort)
• Attend teleconferences, study monitoring visits, audits, etc.
• Present at local forums regarding genetic interventions
• Attend journal clubs and other relevant presentations