Jr Specialist - Pereira Lab

Position Overview

Salary range:

• The exempt salary for Jr. Specialist, Step 1: $57,000/yr;
  Step 2: $60,700/yr.
• The non-exempt salary for the Jr. Specialist position is Step 1: $27.30/hr;
  Step 2: $29.08/hr.

Open date:
July 23, 2026

Next review date:
Thursday, Aug 13, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Saturday, Oct 31, 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 Pereira Lab in the Department of Population Health and Reproduction investigates infectious diseases in livestock, antimicrobial resistance, and practical, sustainable herd-health strategies. Our work spans microbiology, field research, molecular diagnostics, and producer-focused outreach, all grounded in improving animal health and supporting California's dairy industry.

We are seeking a curious, motivated, and hands-on Junior Specialist who thrives in both field and laboratory environments and is excited to contribute to impactful, real-world research.

As a Junior Specialist, the candidate will play a central role in coordinating, conducting, and supporting research across commercial dairy farms and the laboratory. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and meaningful collaboration with producers, students, and scientists.

• Coordinate, conduct, and oversee research activities at commercial dairy herds across California.
• Independently collect biological and environmental samples (milk, feces, manure, soil, water).
• Conduct surveys, deliver training materials to farm workers, and communicate with producers and stakeholders.
• Monitor dairy cattle for disease, perform routine husbandry tasks, and assist with treatments or procedures.
• Drive a research vehicle to participating farms and manage on-site logistics.

• Process field samples using standard microbiological and molecular methods, including culture, bacterial enumeration, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, DNA extraction, and conduct molecular techniques.
• Detect foodborne and livestock pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, STEC, Campylobacter, Mannheimia spp., Pasteurella spp.) and indicator organisms.
• Develop, organize, and troubleshoot microbiological and molecular protocols.
• Maintain laboratory training materials, inventories, and records for inspections.
• Mentor undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and project tasks.

• Lead preparation of materials for field activities and maintain organized laboratory storage systems.
• Coordinate personnel for field and laboratory projects, including longitudinal trials (e.g., calf feeding studies).
• Create and maintain research databases; summarize data for progress reports, manuscripts, and grants.
• Report research developments and study progress to the PI, graduate students, sponsors, and collaborators.
• Assist with manuscript preparation and presentation development.

Present research findings at internal lab meetings, stakeholder meetings, and seminars. Contribute to manuscript preparation and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, books, and other outlets in collaboration with the PI and research team. When appropriate, coordinate or deliver presentations at educational or outreach events.

The Junior Specialist will participate in training activities with the lab. The candidate may mentor students or technicians on the technical aspects of the research, including method development, troubleshooting, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor of Science (e.g., Animal Science, Microbiology, or related life science) OR an Associate of Science degree with equivalent livestock experience in a professional or research setting.

Additional qualifications (required at the start)

• Must have at least one year of experience working with livestock in a professional setting (e.g., Clinical settings)
• Must have prior research experience working with dairy cattle
• Must have experience with handling cattle, including collecting milk and blood samples.
• Must have experience monitoring a dairy herd for disease
• Must have experience with the routine husbandry of dairy cows
• Must have experience delivering treatments or conducting procedures with dairy cattle
• Must have experience in handling data from a dairy herd.
• Must be able to work independently and problem solve in dynamic field and laboratory environments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including record-keeping and coordination of activities.
• Must have a valid CA driver's license.
• Read, Write, and Speak…