Junior Specialist (Baldwin Lab 2026)

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one 50-percent time Junior Specialist position in enzyme purification and kinetic analysis in the Enoch Baldwin Lab.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Research (90%)

This Junior Specialist (JS) position is directed at carrying out reliable kinetic analyses of E. coli CTP synthetase (EcCTPS) in order to understand its regulation by small molecule substrates, products and inhibitors. In addition, purifications of wildtype and mutant EcCTPS proteins will be performed. Specifically, the work involves using previously developed spectrophotometric methods to assay EcCTPS's multiple activities. Preparation and precise standardization of assay reagents and buffers using standard analytical methods will be required. The JS will also be responsible for the workup and analysis of the experimental data they produce. They are expected to familiarize themselves with both published and unpublished work generated by the lab, relevant to these studies. They will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in designing and executing experiments, interpreting data, formulating new hypotheses, and designing and conducting subsequent experiments. The JS will also be responsible for archiving their data in electronic form, creating written descriptions and publication-quality figures for any publishable data produced. The eventual goal to complete the data required for an ongoing body of work to use in a publication, and to perform any follow-up that arises from the manuscript review within the hiring period. Any of the JS's work that contributes to a figure or provides a key piece of evidence in the publication will be credited by co-authorship. The candidate will meet regularly with the PI carry out the work on a schedule that is agreeable to both parties, not exceeding 20 hours per week.

Service (10%)

The JS will be responsible for maintaining lab cleanliness and order, as well as inventorying critical lab materials and monitoring compliance with safety regulations.

Apply Here

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a research statement describing their past research experience, skills and interests, and a curriculum vitae. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for three references.

All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Enoch Baldwin epbaldwin@ucdavis.edu

A Bachelor's of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or equivalent with at least 6 months previous lab experience. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize responsibilities, interpersonal communication skills, decision-making skills and the ability to work independently. Previous experience must include assaying and analyzing related data for enzyme kinetic analysis. Additional experience in making buffers and performing standard biochemical calculations is a must. A competitive candidate must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook, organize and extensively annotate related electronic files and document data for publication and/or presentations. They also must be willing to carry out complex and time-critical experiments, some lasting up to four hours of continuous work. They should also be flexible and be willing to expand their skill set.

Any demonstrated expertise in assaying CTP synthetase or a similar enzyme using spectrophotometry.

• 3 required (contact information only)

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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