Junior Specialist - Barlow lab - 2026

University of California; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in Dr. Jacqueline Barlow’s lab to advance studies in cellular and molecular biology.

Responsibilities include genome stability and inflammatory signaling research with mouse models and human cell lines, DNA construct work, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, along with routine lab maintenance and mentorship of undergraduates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or closely related field (or expected by start date).
• Experience in a biology research lab is required and must include molecular biology skills such as PCR and DNA extraction.
• Prior work with lab maintaining safety records and general lab tasks is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct publishable research on mechanisms of genome stability and inflammatory signaling.
• Work with mouse models and human cell lines using molecular biology, genetic perturbation, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
• Create DNA constructs, introduce them into human cell lines, and analyze cells via biochemical and molecular assays.
• Maintain detailed electronic lab notebook of procedures and data; present at group meetings and contribute to manuscripts.
• Assist with training undergraduates and other lab members.
• Help with ordering supplies, safety records, and stock management of cells and plasmids.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

PCR

DNA extraction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences

Job description

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist position in Dr. Jacqueline Barlow’s lab in the area of cellular and molecular biology.

Research (90%)

The Junior Specialist will participate in publishable research focusing on mechanisms of genome stability and inflammatory signaling. The research will use mouse models, human cell lines, as well as molecular biology, genetic perturbation, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The successful candidate will create DNA constructs, introduce DNA constructs into human cell lines and analyze cells using a range of techniques. The successful candidate will also analyze data and carry out biochemical and molecular assays. The position will also involve general laboratory maintenance such as ordering supplies, helping to maintain safety records, cleaning of glassware, putting away glassware and supplies, and maintaining frozen stocks of cells and plasmids.

The junior specialist will perform experiments under the supervision of a current graduate student and the PI. The successful candidate will be expected to stay up to date on the field by reading background literature, including that suggested by supervisors and relevant independent study. The candidate will be expected to understand the hypotheses and rationale for experiments, and to discuss the design of experiments with the PI and postdoctoral mentors.

The Junior Specialist is expected to work semi-independently, planning and completing experiments with guidance and oversight from mentors. The candidate will keep a detailed electronic notebook including all experimental procedures and data. The candidate will participate and present in group meetings and will have the opportunity to participate in research conferences. The candidate will also contribute to the writing and editing of manuscripts.

Service (10%)

The junior specialist will be expected to help train and mentor undergraduates and other lab members. Undergraduate students will typically help with basic tasks and complete small, related research sub-projects.

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or a closely related field (or expected to obtain such a degree by start date). Previous experience in a biology research lab is required and must include molecular biology skills such as PCR and DNA extraction.