Junior Specialist - Segarra Lab

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $4,750.00 per month, at step 1, or $5,058.33 per month, at step 2.

Open date:
September 3, 2026

Next review date:
Saturday, Sep 26, 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 Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology at the University of California, Davis, invites applicants for a qualified Junior Specialist with the Segarra Lab.

Research in the Segarra Lab focuses on understanding how fish respond to environmental change and anthropogenic stressors. Our research examines the effects of environmental contaminants and stressors such as temperature and salinity using physiological and behavioral endpoints, complemented by molecular approaches, with applications to fish health and conservation.

The position includes fish husbandry, experimental exposures, behavioral and physiological assays, fish handling and dissection, biological sample processing, and data collection.

Laboratory studies will include controlled exposures to environmental contaminants, including insecticides and other chemicals, and experiments evaluating fish responses to temperature and salinity. The incumbent will conduct behavioral and environmental‑tolerance assays. The position will also involve building and maintaining aquaria and experimental systems, including associated plumbing.

Field activities will include fish transport and collection of biological and environmental samples. Some field work will be conducted from boats and under variable weather conditions. Field work may involve carrying loaded coolers and other research materials weighing as much as 50 pounds.

Work will occur in both temperature‑controlled facilities and wet‑laboratory spaces where temperatures may vary considerably. Because fish care and experimental schedules do not always fall within regular working hours, the incumbent will be required to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

Travel between research facilities and/or field locations is part of the position. A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record are required.

The successful candidate should be organized, dependable, attentive to detail, and have strong problem‑solving and communication skills. The position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

The Junior Specialist will have opportunities to contribute to research reports and scientific publications and to present research findings at scientific or technical meetings.

The duties of this position are designated as follows:

The Junior Specialist will contribute to the preparation and execution of laboratory and field studies in consultation with the PI and other research personnel. Research duties will include fish husbandry; contaminant exposures; behavioral and environmental‑tolerance experiments; fish handling, euthanasia, dissection, and sample processing; maintenance of experimental systems; field sampling; and collection, organization, quality control, and summary of research data. The incumbent will participate in discussions of experimental methods and results and contribute to reports, publications, animal‑use documentation, SOPs, and other research records.

Additional responsibilities include helping maintain supplies, equipment, and laboratory spaces necessary for ongoing research.

The Junior Specialist will participate in laboratory and project discussions and may attend scientific or technical meetings, interact with collaborators and resource‑management agencies, and present research findings as appropriate.

The Junior Specialist may assist with training and mentoring undergraduate or junior research personnel and participate in departmental, University, laboratory, or outreach activities.