Junior Specialist​/Lowe-Power Lab

Position Overview

Salary range: $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2

Open date: July 15, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

This position provides technical, scientific, and organizational assistance to Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Power’s research in the Department of Plant Pathology, which focuses on using molecular, genetic, genomic, and plant infection assays to understand pathogenic behavior and ecological success of Ralstonia wilt pathogens.

Research (90%)

• The Junior Specialist will be required to perform diverse molecular microbiology assays, maintain accurate and organized datasets, serve as the safety coordinator, purchase supplies for the lab, and train undergraduate students.
• Required skills:
  
  multi-tasking, time management, resourcefulness, strong attention to detail, solution-oriented attitude, troubleshooting, and effective communication with diverse colleagues.
• Conduct microbiology, biochemistry, and microscopy assays to decipher mechanisms enabling dormancy and survival during prolonged nutrient starvation and resuscitation. May genetically engineer bacterial strains and contribute to analysis of large datasets such as RNAseq, pangenomes, DAP-Seq, or RB-TnSeq.
• Develop research skills by taking notes during training, synthesizing information, reading manuals, troubleshooting protocols, and training others. Learn to analyze data using established protocols and assist in formatting data for presentations and publications. Use statistical analysis software (e.g., Graph Pad Prism) and maintain detailed laboratory notes.
• Full-time lab member responsibilities include maintaining safety standards and regulatory requirements, staff training and mentoring (undergraduate student technicians), and general laboratory maintenance. Assist in maintaining lab equipment, inventory of bacterial cryostocks, supply stocking, and order supplies as needed. Keep track of chemical and safety records.
• This is a 100% on-site position. General work hours are Mon‑Fri 8 hrs/day, with occasional long hours and/or weekends based on laboratory and department needs.

Professional Competence and Activity (5%)

• Offer technical and creative contributions to manuscript preparation.
• Conduct literature searches and engage in discussions of data with Principal Investigators, contributing to manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings.

University and Public Service (5%)

• Maintain safety standards, regulatory requirements, and supervise undergraduate student technicians. Assist in maintaining lab equipment, inventory of bacterial cryostocks, and supply ordering. Track chemical and safety records.

Basic qualifications

• BS in microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, or related field.
• Knowledge of microbiology techniques and terminology.
• Previous laboratory or comparable experience.
• Experience working safely with regulated bacterial pathogens.
• Ability to bend, squat, crouch, and pull and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Note:
  
  Junior Specialist is an entry level position; advanced degrees or BS degrees with three years’ experience are not appropriate.

Preferred qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, interest in basic science, ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Organized, follows SOPs with strict attention to detail, adaptable to changing environments, and works independently and efficiently in a high throughput laboratory under supervision to meet turnaround times.
• Ability to complete job assignments in a timely manner to meet critical deadlines.
• Experience in basic laboratory practices including sterile technique, pipetting, preparing solutions and media.
• Skilled in Excel, Microsoft Word, KBase, Graph Pad Prism.
• Understanding of fundamental microbiology concepts and basic genetic principles; preferred experience with DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, sterile technique, and microbiology.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter – statement of purpose describing previous research experience…