Position overview Position title: DNA Manipulation and Sequencing Specialist 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. 'Off-scale salaries', i.e., 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 $49,000 -$63,000.
Percent time: Full-time (100%)
Anticipated start: As soon as possible after initial review of the 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.
Application Window
Open date: April 7, 2023
Most recent review date: Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Friday, Dec 22, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
Dr. Beth Shapiro in the Paleogenomics Laboratory and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a specialist in genomic DNA extraction, handling, and sequencing. 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 demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills; work independently and as part of a team; be able to learn new techniques and implement protocols with attention to detail; and be able to participate in the research of UCSC faculty through DNA extraction, genomic library preparation, sequencing, analytical measurements, and through training and supervision of users.
Applicants with expertise using the Illumina sequencing platform are strongly encouraged to apply.
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelors degree or higher (or equivalent foreign degree) in molecular or evolutionary biology or related scientific field.
A minimum of one year of previous laboratory research experience (experience gained during undergraduate studies or post baccalaureate).
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.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include three professional references along with their contact information. The search committee will contact the references of those applicants who are under serious consideration.
Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the Universitys equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by phone at (831) 459-2686.
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 (see https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify). The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz (see https://apo.ucsc.edu/policy/capm/102.530.html).
UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.
UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website at https://www.hercjobs.org/regions/higher-ed-careers-northern-california/ to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs - With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. Additional information and resources for compliance are located on the campus Health Center site
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the intimacy of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university.