Junior Specialist

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in the Jordan Laboratory within the Department of Medicine and Epidemiology. The role focuses on organizing clinical and benchtop research, handling samples from companion animals, and maintaining a biobank.

The position involves performing nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence, alongside data management, grant and IACUC support, and efficient lab operations—ideal for candidates with a

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Organize, plan, and execute clinical, collaborative, and benchtop research experiments and generate high-quality data for publication.
• Assist in collection and processing of biological specimens (blood, tissue) from dogs, cats, and horses; maintain a database and a biobank of samples.
• Recruit dogs, cats, and horses for clinical trials and coordinate communications with pet owners and veterinary professionals.
• Perform laboratory techniques including nucleic acid isolation, RT- and q-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence.
• Compile and summarize data in spreadsheets; assist with manuscript and IACUC preparation; maintain equipment and ordering of supplies.
• Maintain clean, safe laboratory environments and ensure compliance with health and safety protocols.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Spreadsheet proficiency

Independent and team work

Safety with chemicals and biohazards

Strong desire to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Job 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.

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.