Junior Specialist Dr. Baumler Lab

Position Overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 at Step 1 or $60,700 at Step 2.

Open date:
July 6, 2026

Next review date:
Tuesday, Jul 21, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Wednesday, Aug 5, 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.

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist to work 100% time under the direction of Dr. Andreas Baumler.

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in bacterial pathogenesis for 85% of the time. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, research on molecular aspects of Salmonella pathogenesis, performing molecular techniques such as RNA/DNA extraction, Real Time PCR assays, subcloning DNA fragments into vectors, transforming bacteria, plating bacteria for quantitation, and working with bacterial samples in an anaerobic chamber, running protein gels and Western blots, providing assistance in tissue processing, participation in animal (both conventional and gnotobiotic mice) studies under supervision, performing immunochemistry and imaging and cell culture.

The candidate will participate in performing or assisting in experiments to generate data, perform data analysis, and will receive training by post‑doctoral fellows, senior researchers, and the principal investigator. The candidate will participate in the design, collection, and interpretation of data and evaluation of the information in order to consult with the PI and senior researchers.

10% of the duties involve laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance, including assisting senior researchers in the preparation of BUA and animal use protocols, maintenance of lab safety protocols, management of specimen inventory, data input and storage, and maintaining an inventory of supplies, placing requests for orders to the business office, preparation of bacterial cell culture plates, and preparing supplies and cages for the gnotobiotic facility.

The candidate will be expected to attend lab meetings and, when appropriate, will present data to their laboratory peers and will contribute to scholarly articles by providing their research findings, data, and write-ups on the work performed and may participate in writing manuscript portions in relation to their research findings. The candidate will review scholarly literature to improve or learn about methods that are needed for ongoing projects and will participate in local conferences and joint lab meetings.

The candidate will also provide university/public service at 5% by providing mentorship of undergraduate students, guiding them in laboratory safety and training in work and data analysis.

Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Nutrition or a related field with prior laboratory experience.

Coursework and/or experience to perform molecular biology techniques. Computer skills pertaining to scientific data entry and usage. Experience with animal (mouse) studies. Experience in developing or adapting experimental tools and assays. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‑making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team and will exhibit a professional approach to work and attention to detail.

• Curriculum Vitae
  - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Authorization to Release Information Form
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• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

• 3-5 required (contact information…