Staff Research Associate 4

#CA-SS 

This position is for a Staff Research Associate SRA 4 to manage the Pediatric cardiopulmonary research (P-CPR) Laboratory with Drs. Satyan Lakshminrusimha and Deepika Sankaran, who perform translational studies at the Surgical Research Facility (SRF) at 880 Old Davis Road at the Davis campus with main lab and office space located at Research II, on the Sacramento Campus. This lab focuses on preclinical models of birth asphyxia and novel techniques of neonatal resuscitation. Birth asphyxia accounts for over a million deaths globally and our laboratory has played a critical role in providing scientific basis for neonatal resuscitation techniques resulting in change of guidelines and care. Complex fetal surgeries and 72 hour ventilator follow-up studies are conducted in this lab.

The SRA will perform experiments and supervise the general management of the day to day ongoings of the laboratory. The lab manager needs to contribute to assist principal investigators write grants and manuscripts. Scientific contributions to innovative methods to conduct in-vivo studies, tissue analysis, statistical analysis and generation of hypotheses for new grants is a requirement. Responsibilities will include planning and performing in-vivo experiments including instrumenting and delivering fetal lambs, resuscitation and ventilation of these lambs similar to an ICU setting. The SRA will assist in designing new protocols, maintaining and repairing PI maintained equipment, and overseeing the physical space used by the research program. The SRA will be expected to contribute to laboratory meetings, data extraction and analysis, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and interact with collaborators and visiting scientists. The SRA 4 will act as a liaison between Drs. Lakshminrusimha, Vali and Sankaran and collaborating laboratories and will coordinate studies with the Surgical Research Facility (SRF).Overall management of various databases, freezers, euthanasia, collection of tissues and help with analysis of tissues – immunohistochemistry, ELISAs etc., and also storing and shipping the tissues for metabolomic and other analysis. In addition he/she will be responsible for training and leading postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, junior specialists, and technicians from other labs, and undergraduate student volunteers and maintaining all training documentation for these individuals. Ensuring all EH&S and university safety requirements are met for staff within the lab.

Animal Surgeries/hemodynamic studies will be conducted primarily in the Davis campus with experimentation and analysis occurring at the Research II building on the Sacramento Medical Center campus. This position is through the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California Davis School of Medicine, and is funded through the NIH.

Apply By Date

02/19/2024

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biological, life sciences, neuroscience, psychology, animal science or related fields or equivalent training/experience.
• Extensive laboratory experience with preference in those with experience in conducting large animal studies.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, assays, and theory.
• Previous management experience (preferred in laboratory management)
• Experience in the care and handling of laboratory animals, large animals in particular.
• Knowledge of fundamental laboratory procedures.
• Skill to create and maintain databases used for archiving experimental data from the research of laboratories and investigators using the core facility.
• Skill to organize and schedule the use of the laboratory equipment and facilities, and to effectively work with others in order to maintain the smooth operation of the core facility.
• Proficiency with standard computer software used on MAC and PC computers (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Prism, Excel Data Analysis…) and the ability to operate computerized equipment and related software provided by various manufacturers and suppliers of laboratory equipment and software.
• Skill to maintain accurate laboratory records, including those necessary to efficiently schedule experiments, maintain equipment, establish usable data archives, and bill for recharge services provided by the core facility.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skill to perform basic calculations and dilutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with some or all of the following is preferred: drug administration, serum collection, tissue harvesting, surgery, euthanasia.
• Experience in teaching and training students and technicians to acquire hands-on laboratory and research skills.
• Experience with statistical analysis and theory for biological applications.
• Familiarity working with a data acquisition system such as BIOPAC, PONEMAH, or other hemodynamic monitoring system.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding the use of animals in research, including the UC Davis Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Care (AAALAC), as well general familiarity with state and federal guidelines for the humane treatment of animals used in research;
• Knowledge of EH&S policies and procedures for operating a safe laboratory environment (Injury, Illness and Prevention plans, Emergency action plans, etc.…).
• Knowledgeable in cardiac, respiratory, and gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology, and a passion for understanding pathophysiology such that new hypotheses can be generated and tested.

Department Description

The vision of the Department of Pediatrics is the healthiest future for all children and families with a mission dedicated to creating a healthy future for all children through outstanding patient care, transformative research, innovative medical education, and community-based advocacy.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $2,717.60 - $4,372.80 
• Salary Frequency: Biweekly  
• Salary Grade: 104
• Payroll Title: SRA 4
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift Hours: 8 hours 
• Location: Ticon II 
• Union Representation: Yes
• Benefits Eligible: Yes 
• Hybrid/Remote/On-Site: On-Site 

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis Health offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting our handy  Benefits Summary and our  Benefits Page

• If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC:  https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Maternity, Paternity, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Paid time off for professional development as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Wellness and on-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, disability, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistant for qualified roles 
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
• UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The individual must wear protective clothing as necessary in the laboratory, including a laboratory coat.
• Participate in annual laboratory safety training as well as ensure other lab members follow the safety policies.
• Will ensure that IACUC protocols are active and being followed for all research involving laboratory animals.
• Employee is responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.
• Lifting Requirements: Up to 50 Pounds (Medium)

Special Requirements

• This position is a critical position and subject to a background check and drug screen. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history, identity checks and drug screen.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.  

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here.

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected . The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. 

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don’t meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere