Research Scholar

Summary A Without Compensation (WOC) Research Scholar position is open at the San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Research Department. This is a Without Compensation (WOC) position and is not eligible for regular employee benefits. Responsibilities - Carry out skeletal phenotyping of mice including micro-CT, bone histology, and analysis of gene expression - Perform spatial omics to assess how alterations in Wnt genes affects the expression of genes and proteins in specific bone cell populations - Conduct experiments using primary cell culture of bone marrow osteoprogenitors - Write drafts of manuscripts describing experimental results - Prepare various chemicals for experimental use - Perform statistical analysis of experimental results and findings - Perform supply ordering/maintenance and equipment maintenance; perform additional general laboratory management duties as assigned - Perform other related duties as assigned Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications - Completion of a doctoral program in biomedical sciences - Prior experience in a laboratory environment and basic knowledge of procedures used in biochemistry/molecular biology research - Strong oral/written communication and organizational skills - Ability to accurately follow experimental protocols - Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals Education This position has no education requirement. Additional Information This is a Without Compensation position and a position that is not eligible for regular employee benefits. The incumbent will train under the Principal Investigator in the general area of the control of bone mass by G protein signaling in osteoblasts. He/she will be conducting research experiments to evaluate the role of specific Wnt genes in mediating the skeletal abnormalities in a mouse model of skeletal fibrous dysplasia. He/she will also receive guidance from the Principal Investigator in manuscript and grant writing skills to facilitate development as an independent research scientist. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Working Conditions/Environment: The work environment for this position is in a medical research laboratory. It may include some minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may sustain posture in standing or seated position and may utilize a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time. Duties: Work Schedule: M-F 8:00 AM-4:30PM (Schedule may change per Supervisor) Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required