Associate Specialist - Dr. XJ Wang's Lab

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine invites applications for a full time Associate Specialist position in the Dr. Wang Lab.

Under the supervision of Dr. Xiao-Jing Wang, the Associate Specialist conducts mentored, advanced research in mucocutaneous inflammation, wound healing, epithelial biology, and tumor immunology. The position integrates molecular, cellular, histopathologic, immunologic, and in vivo approaches to define disease mechanisms and evaluate translational therapeutic strategies. The Associate Specialist is expected to exercise increasing scientific independence in experimental design, execution, data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination, while contributing to collaborative research programs within the laboratory and across UC Davis.

Within these designated areas of expertise, the Associate Specialist maintains current scientific and technical knowledge, identifies emerging research questions, supports rigorous and reproducible research practices, and contributes to the planning of research and educational activities. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Xiao-Jing Wang and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

This recruitment is conducted at the associate rank. The resulting hire will be at the associate rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

A. Design and conduct translational studies examining immune regulation, tissue remodeling, and therapeutic responses in skin and oral mucosal inflammation, impaired wound healing, and squamous cell carcinoma.

• 1) Develop research questions, experimental plans, timelines, and appropriate controls in consultation with the Principal Investigator and collaborators.
• 2) Establish and apply cell-based and animal models relevant to inflammatory skin and mucosal disease, diabetic and radiation-associated tissue injury, wound repair, and tumor immunity.
• 3) Perform and interpret molecular, cellular, histopathologic, and immune-profiling studies, including quantitative image-based and functional analyses appropriate to each project.
• 4) Evaluate candidate biologic and immune-modulating therapies in preclinical models, integrating mechanistic endpoints with measures of tissue repair, inflammation, and antitumor response.
• 5) Maintain complete research records; organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data; apply appropriate statistical methods; and prepare figures, summaries, and reports.
• 6) Ensure that research is conducted in accordance with approved institutional protocols, laboratory safety requirements, animal welfare standards, and principles of rigor and reproducibility.

B. Lead and support scholarly products arising from the research program.

• 1) Prepare first-author and collaborative manuscripts and contribute to study interpretation, figure development, revision, and submission.
• 2) Present research findings at laboratory meetings and regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
• 3) Contribute scientific content and preliminary data to fellowship, career development, pilot, foundation, and other extramural funding applications.
• 4) Participate in invention disclosure and patent-related activities when research findings have translational or therapeutic potential.

C. Coordinate collaborative and investigator-initiated studies that support the laboratory's translational research program.

• 1) Collaborate with investigators and research personnel in pathology, dermatology, immunology, oncology, bioengineering, and related disciplines.
• 2) Facilitate communication among participating laboratories, coordinate experimental materials and data, and prepare project-specific reports and research updates.
• 3) Provide clinical and translational perspective on complex oral and mucocutaneous disease phenotypes, helping connect clinically relevant observations with mechanistic research questions.
• 4) Mentor graduate students, trainees, and junior research personnel in experimental techniques, study design, data interpretation, and responsible research practices.

• 1) Maintain advanced knowledge and technical competence in mucocutaneous immunology, wound healing, epithelial biology, cancer biology, and translational research relevant to the Wang Laboratory.
• 2) Participate in seminars, journal clubs, scientific discussions, workshops, and collaborative research activities.
• 3) Disseminate research findings through publications, invited or submitted presentations, and other appropriate scholarly activities.
• 4) Contribute to professional peer review, editorial, or scientific society activities when appropriate to career stage and expertise.

A. Contribute to laboratory, departmental, and university activities that support research…