LML Members

 

Current LML Members

	Michele La Merrill earned her BA in Biology at Reed College in Portland Oregon, where she completed her thesis on the campus carbon budget with Dr. David Dalton.  She earned her PhD in Toxicology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill through the mentorship of Drs. David Threadgill and Linda Birnbaum on the interaction of prenatal dioxin exposure and high fat diet on mammary cancer and metabolic syndrome risk. Dr. La Merrill earned her MPH in epidemiology during her postdoctoral fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. There she conducted research on the influence of perinatal exposures and epigenetics on metabolic abnormalities in humans and rodents through mentorship by Drs. Philip Landrigan and David Savitz in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Dr. Christoph Buettner in the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute. She began research as an assistant professor in Environmental Toxicology at UC Davis in January 2013. She is a member of the Pharmacology & Toxicology Graduate Group, the Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, Epidemiology Graduate Group, the UC Davis Genome Center and the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is also an adjunct professor in the Division of Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Michele enjoys cooking, hiking, kayaking and cycling.
	Aman Singla joined the lab in January 2021 as an undergraduate. During high school he worked with Dr. Kit S Lam, developing a novel fluorescent peptide that conjugates to E.coli. In the LML lab, he has worked on a variety of projects including investigating the epigenetic and molecular mechanisms of DDT/DDE in rats, zebrafish, and in-vitro. Currently, he is working on developing a novel cell model to investigate the mechanistic effects of chronic psychosocial stress and toxics on breast cancer. When he is not in lab, Aman enjoys cooking, going to the gym, and biking.
	Brenda Mengeling began her career as a biochemist before the invention of PCR. She has expertise in working with all four classes of biological macromolecules. In the past, she has studied the molecular mechanisms of UV-induced DNA-excision repair in human skin fibroblasts, the enzymatic kinetics of protein recognition by a glycosyltransferase for its substrate, the structures and biosynthetic enzymes of a parasitic glycoconjugate virulence determinant, and the molecular mechanisms of nuclear receptor interactions with DNA and corepressor proteins. For the past decade she has researched how man-made chemicals can disrupt thyroid hormone-controlled development by disrupting the thyroid hormone receptor’s DNA-binding partner, the retinoid-X receptor (RXR). She finds how molecules recognize and interact with each other a fascinating topic, and she wants to help figure out when synthetic chemicals mess that up. When she’s not doing science, she likes to host dinner parties with her husband, learn to play the piano, knit garments she can wear, and read mysteries and science fiction.
	David Guzman graduated from Pepperdine University in the Spring of 2023 with a B.S. in Biology. While working with Dr. Thomas Vandergon, David explored the effects on primary endothelial cells when exposed to polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastic particles. Intrigued by the genetic foundations of cellular functions, David has now embarked on a PhD journey in the Integrative Genetics and Genomics graduate group. David joined the La Merrill Lab in January 2024 where he is currently studying the impact of low molecular weight phthalates on triple negative breast cancer in vitro. Beyond the lab, David is passionate about science education and participates in outreach programs like Upward Bound to inspire the next generation of diverse scientists. In his leisure moments, he can be found jamming on guitar, enjoying live music, cooking new recipes, or exploring culinary delights at new restaurants.
	Sehej Singh Johal is an undergraduate student majoring in Molecular and Medical Microbiology. Sehej joined the La Merrill Lab in the winter of 2023 to have a direct impact in uncovering information and knowledge about less-known environmental pollutants through hands-on research. His passion lies towards investigating the effect of environmental stressors and chemicals on the human body due to its impact it has towards disadvantaged communities. In addition, Sehej is very involved in his community, founding a non-profit called Sikh Health Network, which enables any Gurdwara (Sikh Place of Worship) to start and maintain their own health and wellness clinic - providing free medical consultations to the Sikh community around the country. Furthermore, Sehej is currently on the UC Davis Taekwondo Team, as a black belt, competing in regional, state, and national level competitions. In his free time, Sehej loves hanging out with friends, binge-watching thriller TV shows/movies, and reading dystopian novels!
	Bea Lachter joined the Lab in the spring of 2024 as an undergraduate. She is majoring in environmental toxicology as well as environmental policy. Bea is planning on going to law school after graduating and going into either environmental law or public defenders. She has previously interned at the Santa Clara county public defenders office where she reviewed police body camera footage and prepared evidence for court. She discovered her interest in toxicology through the ETX 010 course taught by La Marrill. Bea’s main hobby is working on and riding bikes, she is a regular volunteer at the Davis Bike Collective where she helps people learn how to build and maintain their own bikes.
	Mary Bevacqua joined the La Merrill lab in the spring of 2024 as an undergraduate at the University of California Davis, studying in the field of environmental toxicology. She plans on being involved in research in the field as much as possible as well as moving on to acquiring a masters degree after her B.S. degree in the year of 2027. Her interests are centered in biological toxicology as well as some areas of ecotoxicology. She gained her passion for the field through introductory courses and global statistics of toxicants and their effects. In her free time she enjoys painting, reading, and spending time with her friends and family as well as going on trips to places that showcase the beauty of nature.

 

LML Alumni

 

	Andrew Enrique Ortiz was an undergraduate in the Environmental Toxicology program with an emphasis in Regulatory Toxicology seeking to understand the effects exposure has on the most vulnerable communities, and began working in the La Merrill Lab in September 2023. He previously attended Rio Hondo College where he received a degree in environmental science. His research interests are mainly in understanding the mechanisms behind reproductive toxicants of concern, and ways to handle and reduce occupational exposure. Inside the lab he mainly helped assess data and with existing projects. During his freetime, Andrew enjoys cooking, baking, woodworking, going to the beach, surfing, and being outdoors.
	Sara Chin was an undergraduate who joined the La Merrill lab in January 2023. Before joining, she had previously worked for Gino Cortopassi’s Lab in the Pharmacology and Toxicology department. There, she shadowed research of drug therapeutics using mice models and fell in love with toxicology. She has also worked for David Furlow’s lab in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior testing how different environmental toxicants affect frog development. In the La Merrill lab, she works with environmental toxicants, like phthalates and PFAS, and is interested in how they can affect the endocrine system. Sara has presented at the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference for her initial findings of how phthalates affect triple negative breast cancer proliferation. Currently pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences, she wishes to enter the healthcare industry as a clinical laboratory scientist. Outside of lab, you can find her at the beach, campsite, or at home in bed. She also enjoys watching Star Wars, thinking about Star Wars, and talking about Star Wars.
	Hector A. Delgadillo graduated from CSU, Long Beach in the Spring of 2021 with a B.S in Marine Biology. During his undergraduate studies, he refined his leadership skills by working with the nonprofit Common Tides to teach underserved children about marine science on St. Thomas Island, U.S.V.I. He also worked with his school’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and Counseling and Psychological Services to educate students on cultural and mental health cruciality, respectively. After graduation, Hector interned for two summers with the Woods Hole Partnership Education Program (PEP) on Cape Cod, MA where he researched drivers of carbon loss in subarctic permafrost ecosystems and salt marsh loss in MA. Hector joined the La Merrill Lab in Fall of 2022 as a master’s student in the Pharmacology and Toxicology graduate group where he studies the effects of short- and long-chain PFAS on triple negative breast cancer progression in vitro. On free time, Hector enjoys raising farm animals, weight training, hiking, and exploring new music festivals.
	Juliann Jugan graduated from Saint Mary's College of California in the Spring of 2018 with a B.S in Biology. During her undergraduate studies she worked with animal physiologist, Dr. David Chambers, investigating endo- and ecto-parasites associated with elevated hormone levels in Coast Range fence lizards. She also assisted in in vivo research in tardigrades with the goal of understanding the effects of community dynamics on tardigrade osmobiosis. Her interest in endocrinology led her to pursue a graduate degree and became a PhD student in the Pharmacology Toxicology graduate group. Juli joined the La Merrill Lab in April 2019 where she is studyed the epigenetic mechanisms behind DDT-impaired insulin sensitivity. In her free time, Juil enjoys cooking, running, cycling, and taking day-trips with friends.
	Phum Tachachartvanich joined the lab in August 2018 as a postdoctoral fellow. Under the supervision of Dr. Martyn Smith, he earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences from UC Berkeley in August 2018. His research interests lie mainly in molecular epidemiology, experimental toxicology, carcinogenesis, and endocrinology. He earned his BSc in Biology/Zoology at Chulalonhkorn University and a MSc in Environmental Toxicology at Chulaborn Graduate Institute in Thailand. In the LML, he focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms and defining molecular markers of disease resulting from environmental contaminant exposures such as pesticides, flame retardants, and hydraulic fracturing chemicals. When he is not in the lab, Phum enjoys watching movies, traveling, bike riding and cooking traditional Thai dishes
	Annalise N. vonderEmbse joined the labs of Dr. Michele La Merrill and Dr. Pam Lein in the Fall of 2017 as a postdoctoral fellow to study the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the context of perinatal pesticide exposure and type II diabetes. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jamie DeWitt she earned her PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2017 and MS in Biomedical Sciences in 2014 from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, during which she investigated postnatal lead exposure and microglial dysfunction in the developmental origins of Alzheimer's disease. In 2012, she earned her BS in Biology from  Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH, where she gained research experience in neuropsychology and physics. When not in the lab, Anna enjoys playing with her two dogs, going to planetariums, painting, dancing, and listening to awesome music.
	Xylina Rusit graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a minor in Anthropology in Spring of 2019. Her undergraduate research experience included analyzing the morphometrics of museum specimens in a biodiversity of fishes lab program under Dr. Peter Wainwright (Dept. of Evolution and Ecology) and monitoring Lettuce Downy Mildew Disease’s causal pathogenic oomycete, Bremia lactucae, in Dr. Richard Michelmore’s lab (Genome Center). Xylina also had some teaching experience as a Learning Assistant for the introductory biology course, BIS2A. She began working in the La Merrill Lab in December 2019, where she assists in studying the effects of exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and the mechanisms through which they contribute to metabolically related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and breast cancer. Outside of lab, Xylina enjoys motorcycling with her parents, annoying her dog, Toby and cat, Alley, binging Star Trek, playing video games, and not going to the gym, despite having been a dedicated competitive figure skater for over 13 years.
	Jason Tong graduated from UC Davis in the fall of 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and Management. He gained his passion for research during his undergraduate study, where he interned for Dr. Peter Havel. With Jason's knowledge in animal physiology, he was able to assist the Havel lab with in vivo research projects, investigating the regulation of hormones and biochemical pathways in relation to diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. In October of 2017, Jason began his work in the La Merrill lab, studying the effects of parabens on carcinogenesis and metabolic activity in vivo. He also helped with projects on DDT, DDE, and triphenyl phosphate. In September of 2020, Jason began working for ATRECA, a biopharmaceutical company. During his free time, Jason enjoys running and cycling, as well as playing baseball, football and basketball. He also is a proud fan of the San Francisco Giants. In
	Evelyn Pena graduated from UC Davis in the spring of 2019 with a B.S in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. While working as an undergraduate assistant in Dr. Kermit Carraway’s biochemistry lab, she gained a passion for breast cancer research and cancer biology. Evelyn began working in the La Merrill Lab in the fall of 2018, and through the summer of 2020 applied her biochemistry and cell-culture background to research projects that investigate the molecular effects that arise due to chemical exposure in relation to diabetes and obesity. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time with her two young siblings, visiting her family in the Bay Area, watching space documentaries and eating authentic Mexican food.
	Kyle B. Jackson was a Ph.D. student in the Integrative Genetics and Genomics group and has been with the La Merrill lab since the spring of 2017.  He investigates the epigenetic mechanisms of DDT-impaired thermogenesis. He received a B.S. in Molecular Biology from UC San Diego in 2016, working primarily in Dr. Nicholas Spitzer’s lab studying neurotransmitter identity switching in mice.  He was also awarded the Regents Scholarship.  Kyle got his start in laboratory work as part of the UCSD Phage Genomics Research Initiative, where he identified a novel bacteriophage, and at Oregon State University in Dr. Luiz Bermudez’s mycobacteria lab.  With intentions of pursuing a career at an industrial genetics research company, Kyle will focus on illuminating genes involved in the molecular pathway causing impaired thermogenesis in mice exposed to DDT.  In his spare time, Kyle is often seen performing in local theaters, or composing original musicals, having studied piano since the age of 5.  Although he has enjoyed being on the school wrestling team and briefly living in El Salvador, Kyle also moonlights as a tap-dancer, video game coder, backpacker, and film critic.
	Sarah Elmore joined the La Merrill lab as a post-doctoral fellow in August 2016. She earned her B.S. in Biomedical Science in 2010 and PhD in Toxicology in 2016 from Texas A&M University. During her undergraduate studies, Sarah was introduced to toxicology when she worked as an undergraduate researcher in the lab of Dr. Timothy Phillips. Sarah later joined the Phillips’ lab a doctoral student in 2011. Her research focused on the analysis of mycotoxin biomarkers of exposure and mycotoxin mitigation in humans. In the La Merrill lab, Sarah will build on her background in translational science and molecular epidemiology with mechanistic studies to investigate the role of POPs on “metabolic syndrome.” Sarah enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking, and is an avid national park passport stamp collector. She left the La Merrill lab in October 2018 to become an Associate Toxicologist with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment of the CalEPA.
	Xiaoqin "Shally" Xu began contribute her extensive expertise to research in the La Merrill lab in 2015. Before Shally joined professor Michele La Merrill’s lab, she had worked in Professor Fred Chedin’s lab, in the Molecular and Cellular Biology department, UC Davis from 2010-2015. She also worked in professor Peggy Farnham’s lab, at the Genome Center, UC Davis from 2004-2010; professor Joan Burnside’s lab at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware from 2000-2004; professor Harold Bernstein’s lab at the Cardiovascular Institute, UCSF from 1997-2000; and professor Guillermo Romero’s lab in the Pharmacology department, University of Pittsburgh. Over the course of more than 20 years of her research experience, she has managed multiple research projects and become skilled in a wide array of cellular biology, molecular biology and protein biochemistry procedures. In her position as a Staff Research Associate in the laboratory of Dr. Peggy Farnham, She was the lead researcher on the NHGRI Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) and the NIH Roadmap UC Reference Epigenome Mapping Center (REMC) projects.  Moreover, she has been actively involved in research projects aimed at characterizing various aspects of eukaryotic transcriptional regulation on a global scale, using expression microarrays, ChIP-chip, and ChIP-seq high throughput technologies. On top of that, while she was working in Dr. Fred Chedin's lab, she was involved the number of projects using ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, Whole Genome Bisulfite-Seq (WGBS-Seq) and Reduced Representative Bisulfite-Seq (RRBS-Seq) high throughput technologies.
	Elise Hickman was an UCD undergraduate who majored in environmental toxicology, a degree program she selected because it integrates chemistry, biology, and health. She joined the La Merrill lab in January 2016 as an intern, studying the estrogen receptor in the context of carcinogenesis. In the summer of 2016, she participated in the University of Washington Environmental Health Research Experience for Undergraduates Program. There, she researched the relationship between developmental diesel exhaust exposure and autism under the mentorship of Lucio G. Costa and other members of his lab. She conducted her honors thesis research in the La Merrill lab on the effects of persistent organic pollutants on respiration and substrate utilization. She was involved with the UC Davis Club Cycling race team as a team member and an officer and also worked as a calculus tutor for the UC Davis Student Academic Success Center. With her free time, Elise enjoys cycling and running as well as kayaking, hiking, and traveling. Elise pursued a PhD in toxicology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill following her graduation in June 2017.
	German Cano-Sancho joined the La Merrill lab at the beginning of 2015 as a post-doctoral fellow. He conducted research on in vitro models of obesogens and hazard identification. When he was not working in the La Merrill lab, probably, you could find him climbing some cliff around Tahoe or Yosemite. He earned his diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and BS in Food Science and Technology at University Rovira I Virgili (Spain) and University of Lleida (Spain), respectively. At the latter he earned a master’s degree in research in Agricultural and Food Systems and his PhD focused on Risk Assessment of Mycotoxins. During his PhD he was also trained on cell-culture models in the Dr. Oswald and Dr. Fernandez-Cruz's labs (France), as well as in stochastic modelling by Dr. Gauchi (France). After graduation he was recruited by Dr. Domingo’s lab as a postdoctoral researcher to lead projects in different disciplines of risk assessment such as bioavailability, risk ranking or risk characterization of classical contaminants like toxic metals and dioxins, as well as emerging contaminants such as MUSK fragrances. He left the La Merrill lab in October 2016 to join the Laboratory of Food Contaminants and Residue Analysis at the L'Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire in Nantes France.
	Anna Smith joined the La Merrill lab in January 2016 as an intern, examining the role of the HER2 receptor in mammary cancer.  She also worked with German Cano-Sancho on a published study assessing the obesogenic effects of the flame retardant triphenyl phosphate in vitro. During her last two years as an undergraduate, she worked as a student assistant at the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), and aided with legislative affairs and the research and development of updates to the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool (CalEnviroScreen).  She graduated in June 2016 with her B.S. in Environmental Toxicology, with an emphasis in Public Health and a minor in Communication.  She will pursue her Master of Public Health degree in Environmental Health Sciences beginning Autumn 2017. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, cycling, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
	Tansy Gu was an undergraduate who was able to combine her interested in chemistry, biochemistry, and health by majoring in Environmental Toxicology with an emphasis in Pharmacology. Previously she has interned in Sutter Hospital and in Rite Aid pharmacy. started working in the La Merrill lab in May 2014 and completed her honors thesis in March 2016. In the lab, she mainly worked on uptake of glucose analogs in cell culture to screen chemicals. She was also very active in the Pre-Pharmacy club on campus. Tansy began working on Undiagnosed Disease at the National Institute of Health soon after she graduated from UC Davis. Subsequently, Tansy pursued a PhD in toxicology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. When she has time, Tansy enjoys martial arts, goes to concerts, and she is always open to trying out new activities.
	Eduardo Gonzalez conducted his honors thesis research in the La Merrill lab. He also worked with Adrian Green on their publication assessing the obesogenic effects of the flame retardant triphenyl phosphate. He graduated in 2016 with a major in Environmental Science & Management and an emphasis in Environmental Toxicology. His 2014 UCD Summer Abroad program in Ecuador also inspired him to minor in Global and International Studies. He is an active member of the UC Davis ETOX Club and was drawn to the field by his interest in carcinogens and developmental toxicology. After graduation he hopes to follow his passion for public health and pursue a PhD in Environmental Health Sciences. At the end of his summers he enjoys working on campus as a mock trial coach for incoming freshman as a part of the STEP program (Special Transitional Enrichment Program). Eduardo joined the La Merrill Lab in the fall of 2014 and worked with Adrian Green on his TPhP study before his honors thesis research on molecular event in chemical carcinogenesis, completed March 2016.  He is now a PhD student in collaborator Pamela Lein's lab of the Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Group here at UCD. His hobbies include hip-hop and Latin dancing, playing sports, Super Smash Bros., and anything outdoors.
	Tomoko Ishikawa joined the La Merrill lab in July 2013 to pursue a master’s degree in pharmacology and toxicology. Her thesis focused on understanding links between chemicals in the environment and obesity, diabetes, and breast cancer and was completed in the summer of 2015. She received her BS in pharmaceutical sciences from Kyoritsu University of Pharmacy (now part of Keio University) in Tokyo, Japan. Before returning to school, she worked as a pharmacist at a number of institutions in Japan including: Ishimaru hospital (now known as Kumagaya Diabetes center), Kumagaya Pharmaceutical Association Pharmacy, and The Kumagaya Weekend and Holiday Emergency Clinic. Tomoko has been working as a laboratory technician at Michigan State University. When she is not in the lab or studying, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.
	Adrian Green earned his diploma in Computer Science at CTI, South Africa and worked as a programmer and web developer for Solarsys, a software development company based in London, England. Adrian returned to school to earn a BS in microbiology from California State University, Chico, where he did his undergraduate thesis research in the lab of Dr. Gordon Wolfe. After graduation Adrian worked as a bioanalytical extraction chemist for Intertek Pharmaceutical Services in Sacramento, CA before deciding to join the Pharmacology and Toxicology graduate group at UC Davis. He completed his Master's thesis on the developmental effects of a flame retardant on obesity and type 2 diabetes in the summer of 2015. After he left the La Merrill lab, he began pursuing his PhD at North Carolina State University. In his spare time Adrian and his wife love to watch movies, cook, eat sushi, and travel.
	Christine Tran Hoang joined the La Merrill lab in January 2014 as third year animal science major, specializing in lab animals. She assisted Tomoko Ishikawa with husbandry and laboratory research. She holds a special fondness for UCD Veterinary Teaching Hospital, especially after spending five weeks shadowing veterinary students during the 2013 Summer Enrichment Program. In between classes, she works part time in the UCD Teaching Hospital as well as the Meyer Hall Rodent Facility. On the weekends, you'd find Christine paddling on a dragonboat with her team Davis Racing Dragons, or sipping on a boba milk tea while watching the newest episode of Criminal Minds or Grimm. She began attending veterinary school in the Autumn of 2016.
	Sunjay Sethi completed his Honors thesis in the La Merrill laboratory for his B.S. in Environmental Toxicology. This work led to a publication. He previously attended Diablo Valley College. To hone his interests in Toxicology he started working with Dr. Nilesh Gaikwad looking into different metabolites that can be formed from the metabolism of estrogen in the body. He also worked under Dr. Martin Burger to look at the way different nutrients available affect crop growth and the crop’s nutritional value.  During his summer before joining the LML he interned with Chevron’s Environmental Management Company and this along with his previous research experiences made him realize he wanted to focus on human health relating to toxicants we encounter everyday in our environment such as pesticides. He pursued a PhD in Toxicology here at UCD. Sunjay is also a huge Beyonce fan but has yet to have the privilege to see her perform live. He has been to India four times to visit family, loves coffee (the elixir of life), and enjoys exploring the outdoors.
	Ciara Main attended UCD as an animal science major seeking to enter a dual graduate veterinarian program after her undergraduate career. Her interests lie in endocrinology and reproductive controls in elephants, as well as mating and hierarchical behavior in hyenas. She began her research journey through the Center of Biophotonics program on campus. Their partnership allowed her to take an undergraduate research position in the La Merrill Lab where she was a McNair Scholar. She gives time to the Get On The Bus non-profit, where they unite children with their mothers and fathers who are incarcerated. Also she enjoys taking and developing her own film photography and volunteers at the UCD Craft Center once a week. Fun facts; Ciara has two dogs and a bird, she survived 10 days in the Amazon, and has an extreme obsession for Idris Elba.

 

 

Prospective LML Trainees

We are a team of individuals tenaciously striving for research excellence. The La Merrill lab is an environment for trainees to learn critical approaches to endocrine disease research and to develop their potential as outstanding scientists. If you are interested in being part of the La Merrill lab, please contact Dr. La Merrill.

Postdoctoral position in molecular mechanisms of breast cancer invasion.

POSITION BACKGROUND

The La Merrill Research Group within the Department of Environmental Toxicology (ETOX) at the University of California, Davis invites applicants for a pool qualified Junior Specialists to join research efforts related to the ongoing projects to investigate synthetic chemicals that may increase risk of breast cancer metastasis. Davis is an affordable bicycle-friendly small city in Northern California located between the mountains and the coast.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

A postdoctoral scholar position is available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Michele La Merrill in the Environmental Toxicology department at the University of California at Davis http://lamerrill.ucdavis.edu/. The multi-disciplinary research project investigates the role of important environmental pollutants which antagonize Vitamin D receptor to increase invasion of human breast cancer cells. This area of our research is currently supported by a contract with the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

 

The scholar will utilize cell and molecular biology techniques to complete this research. The research is complemented by research of our lab team and collaborators on the binding between pollutants and VDR in silico and in vitro, in vitro VDR transactivation assays, and characterization of cancer, immune and bone phenotypes, and molecular investigations in a mouse model. Opportunities to examine the in vitro interaction of pollutants with our model of psychosocial stress and to examine genomics outcomes (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq) are also an option in this position. The position involves designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, preparing manuscripts, presenting research at conferences, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students with the PI, collaborators, and lab personnel. Informal inquiries are also encouraged, and additional project details are available upon request to mlamerrill@ucdavis.edu.

 

The University of California, Davis is an equal opportunity employer, committed to excellence through diversity. Davis is an affordable college town in Northern California located between the mountains and the coast. The position is available for 1 year with full medical, dental and vision benefits, and a competitive salary commensurate with experience. There is a possibility for renewal depending on performance as funding is available to support this position over multiple years. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate qualifications

A PhD in a biological science such as molecular or cell biology, toxicology or related disciplines is required. Highly motivated candidates should have or be very close to obtaining a PhD, or have less than four years of Postdoctoral experience. 

 

Preferred qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants whose CV and/or cover letter reflect 1) expertise in cancer cell invasion assays; 2) experience with mouse studies of cancer; 3) an interest in health disparities; 4) excellent communication, mentoring, and collaborative skills; and 5) a record of creativity and scientific productivity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications including at least one first-author publication that demonstrates competency in cell or molecular biology or toxicology.

 

APPLICATION DETAILS

 

The full description of this position is here: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/analyst/recruitments/JPF05863/details

Please apply by sending your 1) CV inclusive of publications, awards, mentoring experience, and both laboratory and computer skills, 2) 3-5 references, and 3) a letter of intent discussing your research qualifications and motivations for this position to mlamerrill@ucdavis.edu.Applications will begin being reviewed on August 7, 2023. The position is available immediately however the start date is flexible. Informal inquiries are also encouraged, and additional project details are available upon request.

 

APPOINTMENT DETAILS

SALARY RANGE: The [posted UC salary scales] https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/index.html set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table 23: Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct, Fiscal Year. The salary range for this position is $[60,000]-$[72,000]. “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, qualifications, and experience.Step 1, $44,500 plus benefits

Appointments will vary in length up to a 12-month appointment with the possibility of extension contingent upon funding and performance.

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

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 UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

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.

 

QUESTIONS

Please direct questions to Michele La Merrill via email [mlamerrill@ucdavis.edu].