Junior Specialist - Barlow lab - 2026

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

Job summary

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at UC Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in the lab of Dr. Jacqueline Barlow, focusing on cellular and molecular biology. The role emphasizes genome stability mechanisms and inflammatory signaling using mouse models and human cell lines.

The Junior Specialist will perform experiments, data analysis, and contribute to manuscript preparation, under supervision, with opportunities to present at group meetings and conferences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a closely related field (or expected to obtain by start date).
• Experience in a biology research lab is required and must include PCR and DNA extraction.

Responsibilities

• Conduct publishable research focusing on genome stability and inflammatory signaling.
• Work with mouse models, human cell lines, and molecular biology techniques.
• Create DNA constructs and analyze cells; maintain notebooks and contribute to manuscripts.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Lab maintenance

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

PCR

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 at Step 1 or $60,700 at Step 2. Junior Specialist NEX: A reasonable estimate for this position is $27.30/hr at Step 1 or $29.08/hr at step 2.

Application Window

Open date: September 11, 2026

Next review date: Saturday, Sep 26, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Saturday, Sep 26, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position 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.

Department: https://mmg.ucdavis.edu

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

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.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Prior laboratory experience in culturing of mammalian cells, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry techniques. The ideal candidate will also have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‑making skills, as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research – Research statement describing past research experience, skills and interest.
• Authorization to Release Information Form – This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments.

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)

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: Affinitve Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to 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