Junior Specialist

Salary range: Starting salary at step 1 is $57,000/yr, or Step 2 at $60,700/yr depending on experience

Review timeline: Post for 4 weeks, anticipated review date is 11/02/2026

Open date: October 6, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Nov 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Oct 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 Available
- Junior Specialist
- Jordan Laboratory

The Department of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a pool of qualified Junior Specialists in Comparative Biomedical Research. The successful candidate will provide support to the Jordan Laboratory which investigates the mechanisms and management of naturally occurring skin diseases of companion animals, primarily dogs, cats, and horses. The scientific goals of this research are to
1) characterize naturally occurring animal models of human skin diseases, and
2) carry out investigations that lead to improved patient care, animal welfare, and treatment outcomes for companion animals and humans living with skin disease. This will be a full-time appointment for one year with the opportunity to extend the appointment for one additional year. The position is open for Specialist in the Junior rank only. A Master's degree would not be appropriate for a Junior Specialist position.

This position is not eligible for a sponsored visa.

90% Research This position will require the ability to organize, plan, and execute clinical, collaborative, and benchtop research experiments as well as the ability to generate and analyze high quality data for publication purposes. The successful candidate will assist in the collection and processing of biological specimens (i.e., blood, tissue, etc.) from dogs, cats, and horses and will be responsible for maintaining a database and a biobank of collected samples.

The successful candidate will also be involved in organizing and recruiting dogs, cats, and horses for clinical trials performed at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, which may include direct communications with pet owners and veterinary medical professionals. The successful candidate will perform a variety of laboratory techniques including nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Additional job responsibilities include compiling and summarizing data in spreadsheets, performing statistical analyses, assisting with scientific manuscript and IACUC preparation, maintaining research equipment, ordering supplies, maintaining clean and safe laboratory environments, and ensuring compliance with all health and safety guidelines and protocols

5% Professional Competence and Activities Attend and actively participate in laboratory meetings including presentation of data. Review grant proposals, IACUC protocols, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise. Review scholarly literature and identify technical support to learn new techniques and methods required for ongoing or future projects. Participation in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.

5% University and Public Service Mentorship and training of undergraduate students and volunteers in the laboratory as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor's degree in the life sciences, or equivalent; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills; experience working with spreadsheets and maintaining databases; ability to work independently as well as part of a team; ability to work safely with chemicals and biohazards; strong desire to learn and acquire new skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

It is preferred that the candidate has at least 6 months of experience in performing benchtop research. Knowledge and skills to perform a variety of laboratory techniques including nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Prior veterinary experience preferred, including comfort and confidence in animal restraint techniques.

Basic qualifications

A bachelor's degree in the life sciences, or equivalent; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills; experience working with…