Associate Specialist - Department of Plant and Microbial Biology

[UCBerkeley]

ASSOCIATE SPECIALIST POSITION AVAILABLE IN PLANT GENETICS - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

The Freeling lab historically has coded several now-public bioinformatic tools. We now use these tools as our primary research methods: CoGe and qTeller. The latter is powered by iPlant, and the code for both is available at Github. Google these words to find the on-line tools and instructions. Using these and similar tools, we compare homologous (mostly plant, but vertebrates as well) genes and genomes with different evolutionary histories to test specific hypotheses. Example: does an antisense RNA confuse our ability to identify overproducer mutants using RNAseq reads downloaded and rendered into FPKM using qTeller? Following comparative genomics experiments, Principal Investigator Michael Freeling and this support Researcher (Associate Specialist title code) position write papers for publication. Example papers may be found at Mike Freeling’s Google Scholar citations page. This position is funded by grant from NIFA, a component of the USDA and is soft monies for short term research goals.

Basic Qualifications:

Candidates must have completed all degree requirements except the dissertation or be enrolled in an accredited PhD, MD or equivalent degree in genetics and molecular biology or related fields at the time of application.

Additional Qualifications:

Candidates must have a PhD or MD or equivalent degree in genetics and molecular biology or related fields by appointment start date. Demonstrated 2-5 years of independent research experience in genetics and molecular biology.

Preferred Qualifications:

The successful candidate will be fluent on the command line, and have working knowledge of perl or python, and have experience using R. This position requires demonstration of primary researcher talent for independent research. The successful candidate will be at ease with the Comparative Genomics (CoGe) tool box since use of CoGe tools is central to all of our experiments. Google “CoGe” for the iPlant toolbox. The successful candidate will need to be able to work and thrive in a comparatively isolated environment, where a Skype is more likely than any actual face-to-face meeting , and email communication is very frequent. Of equal importance to the research qualifications above, the successful candidate will have demonstrated administrative experience that will be needed for job responsibilities including working with our lab’s campus administrators on compliance issues, grants, finances, purchasing and IT.

Appointment: The targeted start date for this position is 11/1/2015. The initial appointment is for 4 months, with renewal based on performance and funding. This is an 80% full time appointment.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary range is $52,344 -$63,012/annually based on 100% full time (this position is funded at 80% full time), depending on prior experience and qualifications. Generous benefits are included (http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/health-plans/index.html).

To Apply: Visit http://apptrkr.com/662245

Interested individuals should include a 1-2 page cover letter describing their research experience and publications, along with a current CV and the names and contact information of three referees. Letters of reference may be requested of finalists. It is optional to include a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.

This position will remain open until filled.

Questions regarding this recruitment can be directed to JuliaSchuelke@berkeley.edu

All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html) prior to submitting their letters.

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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

The Department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their research or teaching.

UC Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as a number of policies and programs in place to support employees as they balance work and family.