Jr. Specialist- Tian Lab

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

University of California, Davis seeks a Junior Specialist (50%) in the Tian Lab, Department of Plant Sciences, to support wheat biofortification and tree crop response studies. The role encompasses planning and executing molecular, biochemical, and physiological experiments, maintaining records, and collaborating with students.

The position runs for one year with possible renewal pending funding. The incumbent will perform CRISPR/Cas9-based work, sample collection, gene expression analyses,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree must be obtained at appointment.
• Proficiency in DNA/RNA extractions and PCR/cloning.
• Experience in conducting experiments in a research setting.
• Proficient in Word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments to enhance wheat nutritional traits.
• Analyze wheat CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing results.
• Collect samples and assess gene expression in tree crops under environmental conditions.
• Grow and maintain wheat plants in growth chamber and greenhouse.
• Maintain lab notebooks and data files; collaborate with undergraduates.
• Record and update chemical inventory; ensure instrument operation and waste handling.
• Prepare data figures and tables; contribute to reports and manuscripts; review drafts.
• Present results at lab meetings; participate in Lab activities and symposia.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

DNA/RNA extractions

PCR and cloning

Data analysis

Lab notebook management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Plant Sciences/ Plant Biology/ Genetics

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word processing

Job description

The Tian Lab in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis seeks to fill a 50% position at the Junior Specialist level starting Fall 2026. This position is located on the UC Davis main campus and has a duration of one year, with the possibility of renewal pending funding availability. Research in the Tian Lab centers on understanding and manipulating plant metabolism for improving plant and human health. The Junior Specialist will provide technical and scientific support to the research program in the specific areas of wheat biofortification and understanding tree crop responses to environmental changes.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
  • A. The Junior Specialist will work closely with other lab members to plan and execute experiments aimed at enhancing wheat nutritional traits and understanding tree crops’ responses to the environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following research activities:
    • 1) Performing molecular, biochemical, and physiological characterizations of wheat plants obtained through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
    • a. Incumbent will analyze the research results obtained through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
    • 2) Collecting and preparing samples as well as assessing changes in the expression of candidate genes in tree crops exposed to different environmental conditions and treatments.
    • a. Incumbent will analyze the research result obtained through collecting and preparing samples of tree crops exposed to different environmental conditions and treatments.
    • 3) The Junior Specialist will plant, care, analyze, and harvest different populations of wheat plants in the growth chamber and the greenhouse.
    • 4) The Junior Specialist will maintain lab notebooks and data files for all research activities.
    • 5) The Junior Specialist will collaborate with undergraduate students in performing research protocols and data analysis.
  • B. The Junior specialist will help record and update the lab chemical inventory, maintain the proper operation of instruments, and coordinate waste pickups.
  • C. The Junior Specialist will contribute to the development of project reports and manuscripts by preparing data figures and tables as well as reviewing drafts of reports and manuscripts. The Junior Specialist will also conduct literature reviews relevant to the research topic using electronic databases and journal articles. In addition, the Junior Specialist will present research results at lab meetings where all lab members will be present.
  • II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)
    • A. The Jr. Specialist will participate in the annual Plant Sciences Symposium as a poster presenter.
    • B. The Jr. Specialist is encouraged to become a member of the Phytochemical Society of North America.
  • III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)
    • A. The Junior Specialist will volunteer at the Picnic Day.
    • B. The Junior Specialist is encouraged to join the Young Members Committee of the Phytochemical Society of North America.

Per UCD-APM 330, it is inappropriate to appoint an individual with a Master's or Doctoral degree in the relevant discipline or a baccalaureate degree plus three or more years of experience as a Junior Specialist. Candidates who hold a Masters or Doctoral degree will be disqualified from the Jr. Specialist position.

The Department will not offer visa sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A. Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, Genetics, or a related field (must be obtained at the time of appointment).
• B. Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extractions from plant tissues, PCR reactions, and cloning.
• C. Experience in conducting experiments and collecting data in a research environment.
• D. Proficiency in word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• E. Excellent written and oral communication skills.