Junior Specialist - Hartigan-O'Connor Lab

Position Overview

Salary range: $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2 (Effective July 01, 2026). The University shall increase Academic Researcher Salary Scales by 3.5% as per RA Contract.

• Open date: June 9, 2026
• Next review date: Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
• Final date: Saturday, Jul 11, 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 Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one qualified Junior Specialist to work 100 % time under the direction of Dr. Dennis Hartigan‑O'Connor.

Research 90%:
The position will involve interdisciplinary studies focusing on viral pathogenesis and vaccine development.

Responsibilities include:

• Research in molecular and bioinformatic aspects of HIV/SIV pathogenesis.
• Perform pipelines for scRNA‑seq and bulk RNA‑seq data processing.
• Perform molecular techniques such as RNA/DNA extraction, real‑time PCR assays, histology, immunochemistry, and tissue processing.
• Assist in animal studies under supervision and evaluate T‑cell–binding fusion proteins by flow cytometry, immunochemistry, imaging, and cell cultures.
• Design, collect, and interpret experimental data with guidance from post‑doctoral fellows, senior researchers, and the PI.
• Laboratory maintenance, regulatory compliance, prepare BUA and animal use protocols, and maintain lab safety protocols.
• Prepare bacterial cell culture plates, manage specimen inventory, input and store data, maintain inventory of supplies, and place orders with the business office.
• Attend lab meetings, present data to peers, and contribute to scholarly articles and manuscript portions.

Professional Competence 5%:
Review scholarly literature, attend local conferences and joint lab meetings.

Public Service 5%:
Provide university/public service by mentoring undergraduate students, guiding them in laboratory safety, and training in work and data analysis.

Basic qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, or a related field with prior wet‑ and dry‑lab experience in molecular techniques and RNA‑seq.

Preferred qualifications:

Coursework and/or experience performing scRNA‑seq and bulk RNA‑seq data processing of immune‑cell populations; computer skills in Python and R; experience supporting immunology experiments.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‑making skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team; professional approach and attention to detail. Experience with Seurat, DESeq2, and dimensional reduction is preferred.

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Authorization to Release Information Form – required for all applicants.
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements:

• 3–5 references (contact information only)

Apply link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07676

Help contact: amysaini

Davis, CA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub‑contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E‑Verify check.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.