Junior Specialist - Dawson lab - 2026

Position Overview

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

A reasonable estimate for this position is $27.30/hr at Step 1 or $29.08/hr at step 2.

Open date:
July 27, 2026

Next review date:
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date:
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist position in Dr. Scott Dawson's lab in cellular and molecular biology.

Research (90%)

This position involves in creating CRISPR-based quadruple knockout and knockdown mutants in cytoskeletal proteins in the single-celled parasite Giardia lamblia. Prior research in molecular and cell biology is encouraged.

Specifically, the Junior Specialist will participate in publishable research in Giardia cytoskeletal structure and function. The research concerns developing genetic vectors and tools to tag, knockdown, and knockout specific Giardia cytoskeletal genes. The Junior Specialist will also participate in learning and using epifluorescence microscopy and image analysis. The position involves nucleic acid isolation, PCR, DNA electrophoresis, gene cloning, Giardia cell culture and transformation, and specialized imaging assays.

The position also includes general laboratory maintenance such as ordering supplies, preparation of solutions and media, maintenance of cultures, freezing cell lines, and maintaining frozen stocks of cells and plasmids.

The Junior Specialist will perform experiments under the supervision of a current project scientist, graduate student, and the PI. Once trained, the Junior Specialist is expected to work semi-independently for basic techniques and protocols. The Junior Specialist will keep a detailed laboratory notebook including experimental procedures and results. The Junior Specialist also will participate in laboratory research meetings.

Service (10%)

The junior specialist will be expected to help train and mentor undergraduates and other lab members. Undergraduate students will typically help with basic tasks and complete small, related research sub-projects.

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Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a closely related field (or expected to obtain such a degree by start date). Some prior experience in a microbiology research lab is required and must include molecular biology skills such as cloning and PCR, or basic microscopy.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Prior laboratory experience in axenic culture of microbial eukaryotes like Giardia or yeast, molecular biology and cloning, and fluorescence microscopy. The ideal candidate will also have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‑making skills, as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

• Curriculum Vitae
  - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
  - Research statement describing past research experience, skills and interest.
• Authorization to Release Information Form
  - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

• 2 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment,…