Jr. Specialist- Monroe Lab

Position Overview

Junior Specialist (Wet‑lab) for plant genomics and epigenomics at the Monroe Lab, UC Davis. The role focuses on DNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, and chromatin profiling (CUT&Tag) on pistachio, Arabidopsis, cassava and other crops. The position is funded by NSF EAGER and supported by USDA SCRI and FFAR.

$55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

• Research in Specialized Areas (80% effort): collaborate with research and extension personnel on high‑molecular‑weight and short‑read DNA extraction, library preparation, and CUT&Tag assays; contribute to publications, letters from collaborators, and presentations; disseminate results globally.
• Research coordination: manage communication, data, and reports for lab projects.
• Professional competence and activity (10% effort): participate in professional societies such as ASPB, UC Davis Genome Center, and PAG; attend relevant conferences.
• University and public service (10% effort): maintain liaison with industry groups, state and federal agencies, and serve on departmental and university committees.

• Basic qualifications
  : bachelor's degree in Plant Biology, Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related field (obtained by appointment); demonstrable wet‑lab experience with DNA extraction and standard molecular biology techniques; disciplined lab‑notebook practice; strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‑making skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Preferred qualifications
  : experience with high‑molecular‑weight DNA extraction protocols; sequencing library preparation (Illumina or Pac Bio); familiarity with chromatin profiling assays (CUT&Tag, CUT&RUN, ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq); experience working across multiple plant species or crop systems; knowledge of command‑line tools (R, Python, shell) is preferred.
• The position requires only a bachelor’s degree; holders of a master’s or doctoral degree are disqualified. The candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship will not be provided.

The University of California is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under federal or state law. Only individuals legally authorized to work in the United States may be employed.

Davis, CA.