Junior Specialist- Lab Research Support

Position Overview

Salary range: $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2. NEX: $26.35/hr at Step 1 or $28.07/hr at step 2.

Junior Specialist

Open date: July 1, 2025

Most recent review date: Thursday, Oct 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 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.

DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY – Jr. Specialist Position - LAB RESEARCH SUPPORT - 2025 - 2026. The Department of Surgery at the University of California, Davis invites applications for multiple qualified Junior Specialists for research support. This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on basic science research.

The successful candidates will also participate in research laboratory support including assisting with various research projects, organizing and maintaining lab supplies, research documentation searches and working with volunteers and students. The appointees will work under the supervision of one of our many Researchers.

• Develop, perform, and contribute to translational and basic science research projects.
• Manage datasets, records, and research documentation.
• Educate students and mentor students in the laboratory as required.
• Prepare laboratory orders and maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies.
• Participate in the writing and preparing of manuscripts and research publications.
• Write and edit various grant proposals including grant renewal applications.
• Ensure laboratory supplies are well stocked, and laboratory work areas are kept clean and free of potential contamination issues.
• Perform pathology techniques (tissue fixation/embedding, cryosectioning, and staining) on animal tissue samples.
• Establish and maintain human and animal cell culture lines using sterile techniques.
• Independently perform cellular and molecular biology assays including flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, and immunocytochemistry.
• Prepare sterile media/reagents and maintain sterile facilities (incubator).
• Correctly use and maintain laboratory equipment such as micro-plate reader, balances, centrifuges, microscopes, pipettes, cryostat, and laminar flow hoods.
• Update/modify standard laboratory procedures to fulfill the needs of each research project.
• Other related jobs assigned by supervisor.

• Participation in surgery and bioengineering conferences and professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
• Review of journal manuscripts and other publications related to surgery and bioengineering research.
• Additional education and credentials as related to surgery and bioengineering research.

• Committee service for lab safety, animal care, facilities, and mentorship of volunteer students.

Department
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Basic qualifications

• Knowledge of basic molecular/cell biology techniques and terminology.

Additional qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology or a related discipline.

Preferred qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and an interest in basic science; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• The ideal candidate will have a beginning knowledge of medical terminology and blood coagulation.
• The ideal candidate will have skills to organize work activity, follow standard operating procedures with strict attention to detail, flexibility to adapt to a changing environment and workload, and work independently and efficiently in a high throughput laboratory under supervision to meet standard laboratory turnaround times.
• The ideal candidate will have the ability to complete job assignments in a timely manner to meet critical deadlines.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter…