Junior Specialist (2 Positions) - Hartigan-O'Connor Lab

Position overview

Salary range: $57,000 at Step 1 and $60,700 at Step 2.

Open date: August 11, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Aug 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Nov 2, 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 one qualified Junior Specialist to work 100 % time under the direction of Dr. Dennis Hartigan-O'Connor.

Research 90%:
This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in viral pathogenesis and vaccines against viruses. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, research in molecular and bioinformatic aspects of HIV/SIV pathogenesis; performing pipelines for scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data processing; participation in performing molecular techniques such as RNA/DNA extraction, Real Time PCR Assays; performing histology and immunochemistry;

providing assistance in tissue processing; participation in animal studies under supervision; and evaluation of T cell-binding fusion proteins by flow cytometry, immunochemistry and imaging and cell cultures. The candidate will participate in performing or assisting in experiments to generate data and perform data analysis, and will receive training by post-doctoral fellows, senior researchers, and the principal investigator in order to participate in the design, collection, and interpretation of data by looking at the data gathered from the experiment that has produced the data and evaluate the information in order to consult with the PI and senior researchers.

Duties also include laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance include assisting senior researchers in the preparation of BUA and animal use protocols, maintenance of lab safety protocols, preparation of bacterial cell culture plates, management of specimen inventory, data input and storage, and maintaining an inventory of supplies and placing requests for orders to the business office. 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.

Professional Competence 5%:
The candidate will review scholarly literature to improve or learn about methods for the project that are needed for ongoing projects and will participate in local conferences and joint lab meetings.

Public Service 5%:
The candidate will also provide University/public service by providing mentor ship of undergraduate students, guiding them in laboratory safety and training in work and data analysis.

Bachelor's degree in Human Biology or a related field with wet-lab experience with non-human primate samples, lymphocyte isolation, hematological analysis of blood components, and flow cytometry.

Coursework and/or experience relevant to antiretroviral therapy for lentiviral infections, chemokine receptors, and immunoassays. Experience in supporting virology experiments in animals. 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)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)
• 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.

• 3-5 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, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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