Junior Specialist​/Siddique Lab

Position Overview

Junior Specialist Position in the Siddique Lab, Department of Entomology and Nematology, UC Davis.

Salary range: $57,000.

Open date:
June 18, 2026. Final application date:
July 19, 2026.

Support a walnut research project focused on walnut transformation, evaluation of walnut rootstocks for nematode responses, and maintenance of plant and nematode cultures.

• Assist with walnut transformation experiments: preparation of explants, media, sterile culture, transformation procedures, selection, and regeneration of transformed tissues, and molecular screening.
• Evaluate walnut rootstocks for nematode infection: propagate materials, inoculate with nematodes, monitor growth, collect samples, record data.
• Maintain nematode cultures: extraction, counting, inoculum preparation, assess reproduction or root infection.
• Create figures for publication using MS PowerPoint, Bio Render, R, Graph Pad Prism, ImageJ, or other software.
• Document planning and execution of research through participation in lab meetings and updates.
• Read relevant literature to assist in planning new research directions.
• Assist PI and lab members with related experiments.
• Organize and maintain protocols, experimental records, culture inventories, and research data.
• Assist manuscript preparation, including drafting sections, preparing figures, tables, and revisions.
• Assist with lab maintenance: maintain sterile areas, tissue culture facilities, greenhouse materials, safety records, and chemical inventory.
• Present research at weekly lab meetings and other scientific meetings.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings, joint meetings, and seminars.
• Engage in outreach events.
• Participate in university service and committee work (e.g., safety or facilities committees).
• Mentor undergraduate students in the lab.

Basic qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree in Biology, Entomology, Ecology, or related field.

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong independence and teamwork skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Experience with walnut tissue culture and transformation.
• Experience evaluating walnut rootstocks under nematode challenge conditions.
• Experience with plant tissue culture, sterile technique, nematode assays, plant transformation, or greenhouse work.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, and able to maintain cultures and experimental records.

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Authorization to Release Information Form

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 status under state or federal law.

Job location:

Davis, CA.