Junior Specialist; McKenney Lab

Position: Junior Specialist (McKenney Lab)

Position Overview

Salary range:

• $55,000 at Step 1 (@ 100%) or $58,600 at Step 2 (@ 100%)
• Junior Specialist NEX: $26.35/hr at Step 1 or $28.07/hr at step 2

Application Window

• Open date:
  December 2, 2025
• Next review date:
  Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
• Final date:
  Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

Junior Specialist Position in Alzheimer's Disease and Tau Biology

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Junior Specialist in cell biology and neurodegeneration research.

A Junior Specialist position is available immediately in the lab of Dr. Richard McKenney in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at UC Davis. The successful candidate will support ongoing research projects focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of tau protein dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies under the general guidance and supervision of the Principal Investigator. The position will utilize state-of-the-art single-molecule imaging, biochemical reconstitution, and cell-based assays to investigate how pathological tau phosphorylation patterns disrupt normal tau‑microtubule interactions and promote tau aggregation.

Work will include, but not be limited to:

• Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy of tau dynamics on microtubules
• Biochemical reconstitution of tau-microtubule interactions using purified components
• Generation and characterization of phosphorylated tau variants
• Cell-based assays using authentic Alzheimer's disease brain-derived tau filaments
• Quantitative image analysis and biophysical modeling

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience at the interface of basic cell biology and translational Alzheimer's research, with direct access to patient‑derived samples through collaboration with the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

Responsibilities Research (85%)

Conduct experiments under the guidance of the PI using techniques including protein expression and purification, single‑molecule fluorescence microscopy (TIRF), tau aggregation assays, and live‑cell imaging.

Perform quantitative analysis of tau dynamics, microtubule interactions, and aggregation kinetics.

Collect, organize, analyze, and present data in group meetings.

Maintain detailed experimental records, notes, and laboratory documentation.

Assist the Principal Investigator with preparation of high‑quality peer‑reviewed manuscripts and grant submissions.

Collaborate with researchers at the UC Davis Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and other institutions as directed by the PI.

Professional Competence (15%)

Provide technical assistance and mentoring for junior researchers (graduate students and undergraduates) as appropriate.

Maintain lab stocks, reagents, and databases.

Contribute to lab maintenance and organization.

Assist with equipment maintenance and optimization of microscopy platforms.

Questions

Please direct questions to Richard McKenney, rjmckenney

To Apply

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07418

Qualified applicants should upload

• Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
• Statement of relevant research experience and technical skills
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three references

Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree in cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, neuroscience, or related field, OR equivalent research experience (minimum 12 months in a research laboratory). Demonstrated experience with fluorescence microscopy techniques is required.

Candidate must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and data and to archive and document reagents and data for publications and presentations.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols and procedures are essential. The ideal candidate will have strong…