Junior Specialist

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

Job summary

University of California, Merced seeks a Junior Specialist to support the Garcia Lab's soil ecology and sustainable agriculture research for the 2026-2027 academic year. The role includes field soil and plant sampling, processing samples, conducting soil and plant health assessments, and data organization and analysis.

The position also involves serving as lab manager, overseeing lab logistics and ensuring health and safety compliance, with a 12-month appointment starting September 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental systems, agriculture, or related field.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Laboratory experience in biology, environmental systems, agriculture or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support research in soil ecology and sustainable agriculture.
• Assist with field sampling, sample processing, and health assessments.
• Serve as lab manager, oversee lab logistics and health/safety compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Laboratory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Junior Specialist

Salary range: See Table 24B and 24BN for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 per year.24B)24BN)

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: September 2026

Position duration: 12 months

Application Window

Open date: August 14, 2026

Most recent review date: Friday, Aug 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Friday, Sep 11, 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

The Garcia Lab at UC Merced is currently recruiting a Junior Specialist for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Specialist will support the lab's research in soil ecology and sustainable agriculture. This will include assisting with soil and plant sampling in the field, processing samples, performing soil and plant health assessments, and organizing and analyzing data. The Specialist will also serve as the lab manager and oversee lab logistics, and health and safety compliance.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental systems, agriculture, or a related field.

Additional qualifications

Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, strong written and oral communication skills. Laboratory experience in biology, environmental systems, agriculture or a related field.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

• Cover Letter

• Authorization to Release Information Form - 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.

  Required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)

Please provide contact information for two professional references.

About UC Merced

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.

Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H‑1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Aff…

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

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.

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. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location

Merced, CA