Junior Specialist; Fraser Lab

Position Overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 at Step 1 (@ 100%) or $60,700 at Step 2 (@ 100%).

Junior Specialist NEX: A reasonable estimate for this position is $27.30/hr at Step 1 or $29.08/hr at Step 2.

Open date: September 9, 2026

Next review date: Thursday, Sep 24, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Junior Specialist position in the area of molecular mechanisms regulating eukaryotic protein synthesis.

Research (75%)
The Junior Specialist will participate in studies examining the molecular mechanisms regulating eukaryotic protein synthesis, with particular emphasis on protein kinases and signaling pathways that regulate translation initiation. The position will involve expression and purification of recombinant proteins and multiprotein complexes for biochemical studies of translation regulation and protein kinase activity. A major component of the position will involve recombinant protein expression in insect cells using baculovirus-based expression systems, including optimization and large-scale culture of insect cells, expression of individual proteins and multiprotein complexes, and subsequent protein purification and biochemical characterization.

The Junior Specialist may also use bacterial protein-expression systems. The Junior Specialist will use standard protein biochemical and molecular biology techniques, including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, cloning, DNA preparation, and related methods. The position will also involve maintenance and experimental manipulation of mammalian cell lines and preparation of materials and cell extracts for biochemical and cell-based studies. The Junior Specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory researchers in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and documenting experimental results, reviewing relevant scientific literature, and preparing data and figures for presentations and publications.

The Junior Specialist will attend and present research at laboratory meetings and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication.

Service (25%)
The Junior Specialist will assist the Principal Investigator and other laboratory researchers with the general operation of the laboratory and execution of ongoing research projects. Responsibilities will include maintaining laboratory stocks and resources, preparing common laboratory reagents, maintaining cell-culture and protein-expression resources, ordering and organizing laboratory supplies, maintaining laboratory records, and helping ensure that laboratory safety requirements are met. The Junior Specialist will also assist in training undergraduate researchers and other junior laboratory members in established laboratory techniques and safe laboratory practices.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a research statement describing their past research experience, skills and interests, and a curriculum vitae. Applicants should also provide contact information for three references.

Bachelor's degree in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field, with previous laboratory research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, protein biochemistry, or a related area. The candidate should have strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills, the ability to prioritize responsibilities, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. The candidate must be able to maintain complete and detailed laboratory records, document data for publication and/or presentation, and learn new experimental techniques.

Ability to work safely in a molecular and cellular biology laboratory and to perform the research and service responsibilities described in the position description.

• Previous experience with recombinant protein expression and purification is strongly preferred.
• Experience with baculovirus-mediated recombinant protein expression in insect cells, including large-scale insect-cell culture and expression and purification of multiprotein complexes, is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with protein kinases and/or protein kinase signaling pathways is preferred.
• Experience with…