Assistant Specialist - Kebreab Lab

Position overview

Salary range:
The salary range for this position is $65,800-$73,200 "Off-scale salaries", i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

Open date:
August 25, 2026

Next review date:
Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date:
Monday, Nov 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

This position provides technical, scientific, and analytical support to Dr. Ermias Kebreab's research program in the Department of Animal Science, which focuses on feed additives and microbiome engineering strategies to reduce methane emissions from cattle. The work examines effects on enteric methane emissions, rumen hydrogen balance, animal performance, and meat quality, contributing to efforts to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production.

Provide technical, scientific, and analytical support to research activities focused on feed additives and microbiome engineering strategies designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle and improve the sustainability of livestock production systems. Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, laboratory personnel, facility managers, and external collaborators involved in research activities. Independently conduct and oversee laboratory analyses of fat, muscle, liver, ruminal fluid, plasma, red blood cell, and other biological samples.

Responsibilities include fatty acid analysis, proximate analysis, evaluation of rumen fermentation parameters, and assessment of hydrogen redirection associated with methane mitigation strategies. Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation; develop, refine, and implement laboratory protocols as research needs evolve; and ensure adherence to laboratory safety and quality assurance procedures. Organize and process samples; maintain accurate laboratory and research records; ensure data integrity;

manage research datasets; summarize and evaluate analytical results; and prepare tables, figures, reports, and preliminary interpretations. Conduct literature reviews related to analytical methodologies and research objectives; contribute methods descriptions, technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations arising from research activities. Train students, laboratory personnel, and visiting scholars in laboratory procedures and analytical methods that support ongoing research projects. Evidence of research productivity may include significant contributions to publications, acknowledged technical expertise, contribution to publishable research, dissemination of research findings, and participation in scholarly activities relevant to the assigned area of specialization.

Maintain professional competence through continuing engagement with scientific literature, emerging analytical methodologies, workshops, seminars, professional development activities, and relevant scientific meetings. May participate in professional and technical societies and assist in the review of scientific manuscripts, reports, publications, and other scholarly documents related to the area of expertise.

Participate in departmental, university, and professional service activities, as appropriate. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of collaborators, analytical facilities, industry organizations, and external stakeholders involved in research-related activities.

Master's degree (M.S.) or equivalent international degree in Animal Science, Animal Biology, Biological Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or possession of a relevant baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of research experience. It is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a doctorate in a discipline relevant or related to the research as an Assistant Specialist. Degree requirements must be completed by the appointment start date.

Demonstrated laboratory research experience involving animal, agricultural, or environmental sciences. Experience conducting laboratory analyses, sample preparation, sample processing, and data collection. Experience organizing, managing, and maintaining research datasets with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment. Excellent written, analytical, and oral communication skills. Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices.

Ability to independently manage laboratory workflows and multiple research projects. Ability to maintain accurate laboratory and research records. Experience using Microsoft Office applications and scientific data analysis software.