Jr. Specialist- Tian Lab
Listed on 2026-09-06
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Research/Development
Research Assistant/Associate, Biology, Research Scientist, Biomedical Science
Position Overview
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for the Jr. Specialist position is $27.30 hourly rate at Step 1 or $29.08 hourly rate at Step 2.
Open date: September 3, 2026
Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Sep 1, 2027 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.
Position descriptionThe Tian Lab in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis seeks to fill a 50% position at the Junior Specialist level starting Fall 2026. This position is located on the UC Davis main campus and has a duration of one year, with the possibility of renewal pending funding availability. Research in the Tian Lab centers on understanding and manipulating plant metabolism for improving plant and human health.
The Junior Specialist will provide technical and scientific support to the research program in the specific areas of wheat biofortification and understanding tree crop responses to environmental changes.
- 1) Performing molecular, biochemical, and physiological characterizations of wheat plants obtained through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
- a. Incumbent will analyze the research results obtained through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
- 2) Collecting and preparing samples as well as assessing changes in the expression of candidate genes in tree crops exposed to different environmental conditions and treatments.
- a. Incumbent will analyze the research result obtained through collecting and preparing samples of tree crops exposed to different environmental conditions and treatments.
- 3) The Junior Specialist will plant, care, analyze, and harvest different populations of wheat plants in the growth chamber and the greenhouse.
- 4) The Junior Specialist will maintain lab notebooks and data files for all research activities.
- 5) The Junior Specialist will collaborate with undergraduate students in performing research protocols and data analysis.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
Per UCD-APM 330, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience as a Junior Specialist. Candidates who hold a Masters or Doctoral degree will be disqualified from the Jr. Specialist position.
The Department will not offer visa sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Qualifications Basic qualifications- A. Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment).
- B. Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extractions from plant tissues, PCR reactions, and cloning.
- C. Experience in conducting experiments and collecting data in a research environment.
- D. Proficiency in word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- E. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- F. Strong academic performance during undergraduate studies.
- G. Proficiency in real-time qPCR and a strong background in plant growth.
- H. At least one year of previous lab experience in biochemistry, gene editing, and plant genotyping and phenotyping.
- I. Skills in statistical analysis are strongly preferred for data analysis and interpretation.
- J. A valid California driver's license is required, as occasional travel within California may be…
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