Junior Specialist

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in Comparative Biomedical Research to support the Jordan Laboratory. The role focuses on organizing and performing bench and clinical research on companion animal skin diseases, with data management and biobank duties.

The position emphasizes teamwork, data analysis for publication, and preparation of grants and IACUC materials. Masters degrees are not eligible for this Junior rank; the appointment is for one year with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences and strong verbal/written communication.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in clinical, collaborative, and benchtop research projects.
• Maintain a database and a biobank of collected samples; organize and recruit for clinical trials.

Skills

Documentation

Teamwork

Verbal/written comms

Safety & chemicals

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

Spreadsheets

Database maintenance

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: Starting salary at step 1 is $57,000/yr, or Step 2 at $60,700/yr depending on experience

Review timeline: Post for 4 weeks, anticipated review date is 11/02/2026

Application Window

Open date: October 6, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Nov 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date: Friday, Oct 1, 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

Position Available - Junior Specialist - Jordan Laboratory

The Department of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a pool of qualified Junior Specialists in Comparative Biomedical Research. The successful candidate will provide support to the Jordan Laboratory which investigates the mechanisms and management of naturally occurring skin diseases of companion animals, primarily dogs, cats, and horses. The scientific goals of this research are to 1) characterize naturally occurring animal models of human skin diseases, and 2) carry out investigations that lead to improved patient care, animal welfare, and treatment outcomes for companion animals and humans living with skin disease. This will be a full-time appointment for one year with the opportunity to extend the appointment for one additional year. The position is open for Specialist in the Junior rank only. A Master's degree would not be appropriate for a Junior Specialist position. This position is not eligible for a sponsored visa.

90% Research This position will require the ability to organize, plan, and execute clinical, collaborative, and benchtop research experiments as well as the ability to generate and analyze high quality data for publication purposes. The successful candidate will assist in the collection and processing of biological specimens (i.e., blood, tissue, etc.) from dogs, cats, and horses and will be responsible for maintaining a database and a biobank of collected samples. The successful candidate will also be involved in organizing and recruiting dogs, cats, and horses for clinical trials performed at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, which may include direct communications with pet owners and veterinary medical professionals. The successful candidate will perform a variety of laboratory techniques including nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Additional job responsibilities include compiling and summarizing data in spreadsheets, performing statistical analyses, assisting with scientific manuscript and IACUC preparation, maintaining research equipment, ordering supplies, maintaining clean and safe laboratory environments, and ensuring compliance with all health and safety guidelines and protocols

5% Professional Competence and Activities Attend and actively participate in laboratory meetings including presentation of data. Review grant proposals, IACUC protocols, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise. Review scholarly literature and identify technical support to learn new techniques and methods required for ongoing or future projects. Participation in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.

5% University and Public Service Mentorship and training of undergraduate students and volunteers in the laboratory as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree in the life sciences, or equivalent; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills; experience working with spreadsheets and maintaining databases; ability to work independently as well as part of a team; ability to work safely with chemicals and biohazards; strong desire to learn and acquire new skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: It is preferred that the candidate has at least 6 months of experience in performing benchtop research. Knowledge and skills to perform a variety of laboratory techniques including nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Prior veterinary experience preferred, including comfort and confidence in animal restraint techniques.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

A bachelor's degree in the life sciences, or equivalent; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills; experience working with spreadsheets and maintaining databases; ability to work independently as well as part of a team; ability to work safely with chemicals and biohazards; strong desire to learn and acquire new skills.

Preferred qualifications

It is preferred that the candidate has at least 6 months of experience in performing benchtop research. Knowledge and skills to perform a variety of laboratory techniques including nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence. Prior veterinary experience preferred, including comfort and confidence in animal restraint techniques.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.


• Cover Letter


• 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.

Reference requirements

• 3-4 letters of reference required

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.


• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy


• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties


• APM - 035: Affluent 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