Jr Specialist - Population Health and Disease Prevention - UCI

Position Overview

Salary range:
The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $58,600. The posted UC salary scale pay is determined by experience. See Table(s):

Application Window
Open date:
February 2, 2026
Next review date:
Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date:
Thursday, Apr 2, 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.

Under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Desiree R. Delgadillo, the Lab Manager, will be working at a 50% time, 20 hours per week. The Lab Manager will oversee both the research coordination and administrative operations of the Mind Microbiome Lab at UC Irvine. The incumbent will play a central role in managing all aspects of intervention and observational studies, including recruitment, data collection, and fidelity monitoring, while also directing day-to-day lab operations such as research assistant training, budgeting, procurement, and compliance.

The Lab Manager will ensure smooth and efficient functioning of lab operations and research activities through strong organizational leadership, clear communication, and adherence to University, IRB, and federal policies. The position requires independent judgment, initiative, and the ability to supervise a dynamic team of research assistants and students engaged in psychosocial and biobehavioral research.

Percent of Time: 25%

• Coordinate all phases of psychological and biobehavioral intervention studies, including recruitment, screening, informed consent, scheduling, and follow-up.
• Oversee implementation of intervention protocols and ensure fidelity through supervision, adherence checks, and documentation.
• Manage the collection of psychosocial, behavioral, and biological data in accordance with study protocols.
• Develop, refine, and maintain Qualtrics, or other data management systems; perform regular quality control audits.
• Prepare IRB submissions, renewals, and protocol modifications; ensure ongoing compliance with human subjects regulations and HIPAA guidelines when applicable.
• Contribute to progress reports, grant submissions, and manuscript preparation as needed.
• Identify and resolve operational issues that impact study progress or data integrity.

Percent of Time: 25%

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the research lab, ensuring an organized, efficient, and collaborative environment.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research assistants; develop and deliver training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate lab schedules, team meetings, and study timelines to ensure milestones are met.
• Purchase, inventory, and maintain laboratory and study materials, equipment, and software.
• Track budgets, reconcile expenses, and assist with grant financial management when needed in collaboration with the PI and department staff.
• Ensure compliance with all University safety, data security, and research conduct standards.
• Foster a positive and inclusive lab culture that supports student development and team effectiveness.

School
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Department
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Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of research experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating behavioral or clinical studies from initiation through completion.
• Proven ability to manage lab operations, supervise research staff, and handle administrative tasks in a university setting.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with SPSS, Qualtrics, Excel, and database management.
• Familiarity with IRB processes, research ethics, and HIPAA compliance.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and problem-solve independently while maintaining attention to detail.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, equitable, and professional lab environment.
• The candidate should also be proficient in R programming and experience using Git Hub.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: /JPF
09988

The University of California, Irvine 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 categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be…