JR Specialist Carvajal Lab

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a Junior Specialist to provide research support in cancer biology, genetics, and translational cancer studies. The role involves biospecimen processing, data management, and assisting in CIAPM projects under PI supervision.

Responsibilities include cell culture, DNA/RNA/protein work, genome editing assistance, data quality control, and maintaining detailed records to support ongoing studies and future publications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biology, or related field.
• Experience with PCR, cloning, DNA manipulation, and gel electrophoresis.
• Experience maintaining laboratory records and databases.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments in cancer research projects.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform routine cell culture procedures.
• Extract and purify DNA, RNA, and proteins from samples.
• Assist genome editing using CRISPR-based technologies.
• Support CIAPM biospecimen and data management activities.
• Maintain lab notebooks and experimental records.

Skills

PCR

Cloning

Gel electrophoresis

Data management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Genetics / Biology

Job description

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Genome Center

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Junior Specialist will provide research support for ongoing studies in cancer biology, cancer genetics, functional genomics, genome engineering, and translational cancer research. The incumbent will contribute to laboratory investigations into the molecular mechanisms of cancer development and progression, including studies using genome‑editing technologies, cellular model systems, and molecular characterization methods. The Junior Specialist will also support activities associated with the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine (CIAPM) and related population‑based research programs. Responsibilities will include biospecimen processing, database management, data quality assurance, specimen tracking, and support for research involving human participants and clinical specimens. Working under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory personnel, the Junior Specialist will perform laboratory procedures, maintain research records, assist with data analysis, and contribute to the successful execution of research studies and programmatic activities. This position will provide opportunities for professional development in cancer biology, molecular genetics, precision medicine, and translational research.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90%)

Cancer Biology, Molecular Genetics, and Genome Editing Research

• Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments in support of cancer research projects.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform routine cell culture procedures, including passaging, cryopreservation, quality control, and experimental treatments.
• Conduct DNA, RNA, and protein extraction and purification from biological samples.
• Perform PCR, quantitative PCR, cloning, genotyping, plasmid construction, and related molecular biology techniques.
• Assist with genome editing experiments utilizing CRISPR‑based and related gene editing technologies.
• Participate in the generation, validation, and characterization of genetically modified cell models.
• Conduct cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and other functional assays relevant to cancer biology studies.
• Assist with optimization and troubleshooting of molecular and cellular assays.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and experimental records.

Biospecimen Processing and Management

• Process, catalog, store, and track human biospecimens collected through ongoing and future research studies and clinical protocols.
• Perform preparation and aliquoting of blood, plasma, serum, buffy coat, DNA, RNA, tissue, and other biological specimens.
• Maintain biospecimen inventories and associated specimen‑tracking systems.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, IRB, HIPAA, and institutional requirements governing human subjects research.

CIAPM Research Activities

• Support implementation of wet laboratory activities associated with the CIAPM and related research projects.
• Assist with biospecimen database development, maintenance, quality assurance, and data entry activities.
• Perform biospecimen data validation and quality‑control procedures for research datasets.
• Support participant tracking, biospecimen tracking, and project documentation.
• Assist with preparation of reports, summaries, and project materials for investigators, collaborators, and funding agencies.
• Coordinate data and biospecimen management activities across multiple studies.

Research Data Management

• Maintain electronic databases and research records.
• Organize and curate laboratory and project datasets.
• Assist with data analysis, visualization, and reporting.
• Prepare summaries of research findings for laboratory meetings, presentations, and project reports.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)

• Maintain current knowledge of scientific literature relevant to cancer biology, genomics, precision medicine, and molecular biology.
• Attend laboratory meetings, seminars, workshops, and research presentations.
• Participate in professional development activities related to laboratory and research methodologies.
• Contribute to preparation of abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and grant‑related materials as appropriate.
• Participate in scientific discussions related to ongoing research projects.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)

• Assist with training undergraduate students in laboratory procedures and basic molecular biology techniques.
• Participate in laboratory organization, inventory management, and safety compliance activities.
• Contribute to departmental, programmatic, and outreach activities as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biology, or a closely related field.
• Experience performing molecular biology laboratory techniques including PCR, cloning, DNA manipulation, and gel electrophoresis.
• Experience maintaining laboratory records and databases.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary research team.