Colquitt Lab: Research Specialist

The Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a research specialist. Under the direction of Assistant Professor Bradley Colquitt, the research specialist will contribute to a research program investigating the development and evolution of complex motor skills, using songbirds as a model system.

Duties will include ordering supplies for the lab, monitoring and replenishing common reagent stocks, and maintaining the organization and upkeep of our lab's bird colony. The research specialist will also contribute to research projects through techniques such as cell culture assays, molecular biology (cloning and PCR), fluorescent microscopy, and potentially single-cell molecular assays, bioinformatics, and neurophysiological recordings. The research specialist is also expected to further contribute to research projects by collecting and analyzing the resulting data, contributing to manuscripts, disseminating information through presentations, and assisting with grant proposals. This position will require excellent organizational skills and the ability to successfully work as a member of a diverse, interdisciplinary research team.

Applicants with any of the following areas of experience are strongly encouraged to apply: experience working in a research lab and experience using standard molecular biology techniques, cell culture, microscopy, and/or bioinformatics (R, python, CLI).

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department: https://mcd.ucsc.edu

Colquitt Lab: https://colquitt-lab.com/

• B.S./B.A. degree or higher (or an equivalent foreign degree) in molecular, cell, and developmental biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, ecology and evolution, or a related discipline. It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by Sept. 1, 2026.
• A minimum of one year of research experience in molecular and cell biology/neuroscience/evolution or related biomedical fields (undergraduate experience is acceptable).

Your application must demonstrate that you meet all of the basic qualifications when you submit your application. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

For applicants who do not possess the required degree when they submit their applications, they must document in their application materials (e.g., c.v., cover letter, etc.) that their projected date for completing their degree will be on or before September 1, 2026.

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.

• "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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
  

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 Anti-Discrimination Policy.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

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.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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