Junior/Assistant Specialist – Ribbe/Hu Labs, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine invites applications for Junior Specialist and Assistant Specialist positions in our labs to investigate catalytic and assembly mechanisms of nitrogenase. Responsibilities include conducting molecular biology, biochemical, and microbiological experiments.

The Junior Specialist requires a bachelor's degree in biochemistry or related field; the Assistant Specialist requires a master's degree or at least five years of research experience, with preferred molecular biology and protein

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biochemistry or related field or equivalent research experience.
• Experience in molecular biology and/or protein biochemistry is preferred.
• Master's degree in biochemistry or related field, or at least five years of research experience (Assistant Specialist) with related experience.

Responsibilities

• Molecular Biology: Plasmid transformation for recombinant protein expression
• Bacterial Cell Culture: Growth and cultivation in shaker flasks and bioreactors (fermenters)
• Protein Expression and Purification: Anaerobic expression and purification of recombinant proteins

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein biochemistry

Biochemistry concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in biochemistry or related field

Master's degree in biochemistry or related field or at least five years of research experience

Job description

Position Overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$73,200. See Represented Specialist Series - Fiscal Year and Represented Specialist Series - Non-Exempt Fiscal Year .

Application Window

Open date: August 10, 2026

Next review date: Tuesday, Aug 25, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date: Monday, Nov 30, 2026 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

Applications are invited for Junior Specialist and Assistant Specialist positions in our labs at the University of California, Irvine, to investigate the catalytic and assembly mechanisms of nitrogenase. Responsibilities will include conducting molecular biology, biochemical, and microbiological experiments.

Responsibilities

• Molecular Biology: Plasmid transformation for recombinant protein expression
• Bacterial Cell Culture: Growth and cultivation in shaker flasks and bioreactors (fermenters)
• Protein Expression and Purification: Anaerobic expression and purification of recombinant proteins

Lab

Laboratory website: Ribbe-Hu Laboratory Hu-Ribbe – Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

Follow us on Bluesky: Ribbe Hu Labs (@ribbehulab.bsky.social)

Follow us on X: Ribbe Hu Labs (@HuRibbe) on X

Requirements

• Junior Specialist: Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry or a related field, or equivalent research experience. Experience in molecular biology and/or protein biochemistry is preferred.
• Assistant Specialist: Candidates should possess a master's degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry or a related field, or at least five years of research experience demonstrating expertise in biochemistry. Experience in molecular biology and/or protein biochemistry is preferred.

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Please send your most recently updated CV.
• Cover Letter

Reference Requirements

3-5 required (contact information only)

Lab

https://faculty.sites.uci.edu/mribbe/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Accepting all applications.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

Reference Requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link

https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10358

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine 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 categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

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 or laws 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: Affimative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment .

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

Irvine, CA