Junior Specialist - Pires

Position Overview

Salary range:
Exempt – Junior Specialist, Step 1: $57,000/yr, Step 2: $60,700/yr.
Non‑exempt – Step 1: $27.30, Step 2: $29.08 per hour.

Open date: July 9, 2026
Next review date: Friday, Jul 24, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time) – Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm (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.

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary research projects and studies focusing on questions in microbiology, food safety, veterinary epidemiology, animal health and laboratory methods. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Alda Pires.

It will be necessary to occasionally work odd hours as required to conduct farm visits and meet deadlines. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‑making skills and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Research (80% effort)

• Coordinate and plan research projects.
• Manage laboratory and field work, including sampling of biological samples and summarizing findings.
• Assist PI, graduate assistant or post‑doctoral researcher with study design, implementation and execution.
• Develop and troubleshoot microbiological and molecular protocols; perform routine culture and PCR testing.
• Process environmental and animal samples and detect foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Shiga‑toxin‑producing
  
  E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter and indicator bacteria.
• Purchase project supplies, manage equipment, troubleshoot protocols and submit receipts.
• Mentor undergraduate students in the laboratory.
• Communicate with stakeholders and farmers; maintain databases and perform statistical analyses.
• Coordinate with IACUC and other agencies for project regulatory approval.
• Contribute to manuscript writing and grant preparation.

Professional Competence and Activity (15% effort)

• Summarize and present findings in internal lab meetings and stakeholder meetings.
• Continue manuscript writing and publication with PI and team.

University and Public Service (5% effort)

• Mentor undergraduate students in laboratory and field activities.
• Participate in outreach efforts on campus and off‑campus focusing on food safety, soil amendments, and related topics.

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Medical Biology or a related field.
• Laboratory experience in microbiology and molecular techniques.
• Prior research experience in food safety or agricultural environments, including fresh produce and tree nuts farms.
• Valid driver’s license.

Additional qualifications

• Evidence of professional competence and activity.
• Evidence of university and/or public service.
• Evidence of strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills in written and verbal English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusivity.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Statement of Research (optional)
• Authorization to Release Information Form – required for all applicants; see employment disclosure requirements for details.

Reference requirements

• 3–5 references (contact information only)

Apply link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07731

Help contact: rbailey

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 and federal law. Under federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States, as established by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub‑contracts require a successful candidate to pass an E‑Verify check.

UC Davis is a smoke‑and‑tobacco‑free campus. The University of California, Davis is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. It offers a wide variety of benefits for employees. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and collective bargaining agreements.

Davis, CA