Assistant Specialist- Fierro Lab

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fierro lab at UC Davis, within the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, seeks an Assistant Specialist (full- or part-time) to advance interdisciplinary stem cell and skeletal biology studies. The role includes data analysis, methods development, and collaboration with physicians in orthopedic research.

Responsibilities cover experimental design, supervision of students, and coordination of projects, with emphasis on microCT, ELISA, flow cytometry, and molecular

Qualifications

• Experience in RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and RT-PCR, protein extraction and Western Blots, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, ELISA, mouse surgery and dissection, cloning, viral packaging and transduction, flow cytometry, and culture of both primary cells and immortalized cell lines.
• Evidence of academic accomplishment such as referred journal papers, conference presentations, and grant writing.
• Experience mentoring other lab members.
• Evidence of academic accomplishment such as referred journal papers and conference presentations.

Responsibilities

• Handle mouse breeding, induce recombination by tamoxifen administration, collect tissue and analyze collected bones by microCT and immunohistochemistry and biomarkers in sera by ELISA.
• Perform culture of mouse and human MSCs. Overexpress and silence genes using lentiviral vectors, and perform analysis of gene expression, protein levels, and osteogenic markers such as measurements of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium phosphate precipitation.

Skills

RNA extraction

RT-PCR

Western Blots

Immunohistochemistry

Immunocytochemistry

ELISA

Mouse surgery

Dissection

Cell culture

Viral transduction

Cloning

Flow cytometry

Education

Bachelor's degree + 3+ years research experience

Master's degree in biology

Tools

microCT

Lentiviral packaging

Recombinant DNA techniques

Tamoxifen induction

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: $65,800-$73,200 (non-exempt $31.52/hr -$35.06/hr)

Open date: September 16, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Oct 5, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 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 description

The Fierro lab within the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, seeks to hire one, full-or-part time employee as an Assistant Specialist. The incumbent will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in stem cell and skeletal biology.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in stem cell and skeletal biology.

The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Fernando Fierro and work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

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

Research in specialized areas (90% effort)

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of orthopedic methods and applications. Topics include study of stem cells, mitochondrial function, polyamine metabolism, and mouse models, optimization of data acquisition and processing, data handling and analysis, and consulting with physician scientists on orthopedic research.

The incumbent will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigators. The Assistant Specialist will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In some cases, the appointee may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, troubleshooting problems, interpreting results, and planning follow-up experiments. The appointee collaborates with scientific colleagues in multi-disciplinary projects that include components falling within the appointee's area of expertise.

Position duties include analyzing mice and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from either human donors or the mice to infer how polyamine biology impacts osteoblastogenesis and skeletal health. The candidate must have experience in working with and handling germfree mice, microCT, mouse dissection, cell culture, biochemical methods (RT-PCR, Western Blots, ELISA, etc.), viral transduction, and recombinant DNA techniques.

The candidate will be expected to:

• Handle mouse breeding, induce recombination by tamoxifen administration, collect tissue and analyze collected bones by microCT and immunohistochemistry and biomarkers in sera by ELISA.
• Perform culture of mouse and human MSCs. Overexpress and silence genes using lentiviral vectors, and perform analysis of gene expression, protein levels, and osteogenic markers such as measurements of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium phosphate precipitation.

Other research activities may include:

• Obtaining and maintaining appropriate laboratory and safety protocols.
• Managing project budgets.
• Write and submit progress reports to funding agencies.
• Reviewing grants and manuscripts.

Serve as a research coordinator for name and types of projects conducted by PIs in the laboratory and/or department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual.

Professional competence and activity (5% effort)

• The appointee will be expected to actively participate appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
• Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

University and public service (5% effort)

• They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, and other activities, as applicable.
• They will also be expected to participate in committees within the department, school, campus, and other University entities, as appropriate.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Experience in RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and RT-PCR, protein extraction and Western Blots, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, ELISA, mouse surgery and dissection, cloning, viral packaging and transduction, flow cytometry, and culture of both primary cells and immortalized cell lines.
• Evidence of academic accomplishment such as referred journal papers, conference presentations, and grant writing.
• Experience mentoring other lab members.
• Evidence of academic accomplishment such as referred journal papers and conference presentations.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Assistant Specialist candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree plus three or more years of research experience, or Master's degree in biology. Degree must be awarded by the start date.
• Handle mouse breeding, induce recombination by tamoxifen administration, collect tissue and analyze collected bones by microCT and immunohistochemistry and biomarkers in sera by ELISA.
• Perform culture of mouse and human MSCs. Overexpress and silence genes using lentiviral vectors, and perform analysis of gene expression, protein levels, and osteogenic markers such as measurements of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium phosphate precipitation.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• Proficient with specific technology or procedures.

Application requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter.
• Statement of Research.
• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
• Statement of Teaching (Optional).

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only).

About UC Davis

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.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Assertive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

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.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: "To Boldly Go," our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs' Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Davis, CA