Assistant Specialist - Wang Lab

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

Job summary

University of California, Davis — Department of Neurology is seeking a full-time Assistant Specialist to contribute to cellular/molecular neuroscience research focused on glial biology and Canavan disease therapies. You will assist with rodent handling, genotyping, immunohistochemistry, and data interpretation under PI Yan Wang, PhD.

The role emphasizes manuscript preparation, grant applications, and collaboration within the lab, with a pathway toward academic publishing and conference

Qualifications

• Superior problem solving, deductive reasoning, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to commit to lengthy, complex projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledgeable about lab animal (rodents) care and use.
• Skills to manage laboratory supplies and to keep neat and accurate records of experimental details.

Responsibilities

• After technical training, perform basic laboratory work, including, but not limited to, rodent handling and genotyping, rodent brain harvesting, brain section preparation, immunohistochemistry, and routine DNA and protein work, independently or collaboratively with lab researchers.
• Actively contribute to publishable research by collecting and interpreting data.
• Assist with grant applications and data publications.
• Maintain a collaborative and collegial environment in the lab and help other lab members in the performance of their work.
• Assist with overseeing the compliance of lab rodent use and care protocols and lab safety protocols.
• Provide support to the laboratory and operational activities.
• Purchase supplies and equipment and maintain the database of all laboratory supplies, chemicals, and purchases.

Job description

Position overview

A reasonable estimate for this position is between $65,800 and $73,200
(non- exempt $31.52/hr-$35.06/hr).

Application Window

Open date: August 28, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Sep 28, 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 Department of Neurology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is recruiting for a full-time Assistant Specialist in the field of cellular/molecular neuroscience. This position will be under the supervision of Principal Investigator (PI) Yan Wang, PhD, and involves the planning and execution of research projects, manuscript preparation, and grant applications.

Dr. Wang's lab focuses on glial cell biology and pathology in the healthy and diseased central nervous system (CNS), with a particular emphasis on developing therapies for Canavan disease. The lab employs a combination of genetic, molecular, cellular, and high‑throughput approaches in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Research (90% Effort)

• After technical training, perform basic laboratory work, including, but not limited to, rodent handling and genotyping, rodent brain harvesting, brain section preparation, immunohistochemistry, and routine DNA and protein work, independently or collaboratively with lab researchers
• Actively contribute to publishable research by collecting and interpreting data
• Assist with grant applications and data publications
• Maintain a collaborative and collegial environment in the lab and help other lab members in the performance of their work
• Assist with overseeing the compliance of lab rodent use and care protocols and lab safety protocols
• Provide support to the laboratory and operational activities
• Purchase supplies and equipment and maintain the database of all laboratory supplies, chemicals, and purchases

Professional competence (5% Effort)

• Have opportunities to develop academic presentation skills
• Be encouraged to discuss during lab meetings
• Be encouraged to present their research data at seminars and academic conferences and publish their data at peer-reviewed journals
• Have opportunities to have membership of academic societies

University and public service (5% Effort)

The appointee may be expected to provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants that rotate through the lab. They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, committee service, and other activities, as applicable.

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

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Superior problem solving, deductive reasoning, and decision‑making skills
• Ability to commit to lengthy, complex projects
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Knowledgeable about lab animal (rodents) care and use
• Skills to manage laboratory supplies and to keep neat and accurate records of experimental details

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Master's Degree (or equivalent degree) in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field, or a relevant baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of research experience.

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

• 1-2 years’ experience in a lab setting
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and Coding (R, Python etc)
• Experience with lab safety
• Experience with immuno‑fluorescence staining
• Experience with basic protein, DNA/RNA work

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

Help contact

[e-mail]

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.
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Job location

Sacramento, CA