DNA Manipulation and Sequencing Specialist

The UCSC Paleogenomics Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a DNA Manipulation and Sequencing Specialist. The Paleogenomics Laboratory is a joint venture between Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Professor Beth Shaprio and Biomolecular Engineering Professor Ed Green.

Under the direction of Dr. Ed Green, the successful candidate will support and assist in research that uses a genomics approach to understand how genetic variation is distributed among populations over geographic space, and how this changes through time.

The duties of this job are to: 1) extract DNA from a variety of tissues, including bone, hair, and other tissues, using in-house protocols; 2) assess the quality of DNA extractions using PCR and other quantitation methods; 3) prepare and quantify genomic libraries for next-generation sequencing; 4) perform next generation sequencing using standard Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) equipment; and 5) perform preliminary quality control analyses of recovered data using bioinformatics approaches.

The selected candidate must be able to learn new techniques and implement protocols with attention to detail and to participate in the research of UCSC faculty through DNA extraction, genomic library preparation, sequencing, analytical measurements, and through training and supervision of users. We are particularly interested in identifying a candidate with experience using the Illumina sequencing platform.

• Bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent foreign degree) in molecular biology, evolutionary biology, or a related scientific field.
• A minimum of six months' previous experience in laboratory research (this may include experience gained while earning degree).
• Knowledge of and experience with troubleshooting DNA extraction, PCR amplification, genomic library preparation, and DNA sequencing protocols.
• Bioinformatic skills, including knowledge of command-line interfaces and UNIX as well as pipelines for analysis of quality control of NGS data.

Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, Represented Specialist Series Fiscal Year. A salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $58,600. Percent time: Full-time (100%) Anticipated start: As soon as possible after the initial review of applications. Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding., 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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

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